Rabat – Spanish Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera has said that Spain is expecting a “moderate” increase in Algeria’s gas prices.
The Spanish official spoke with Spanish state television RTVE on Thursday, confirming that Algeria is imposing price increases on its gas supplies to Spain.
CEO of Algeria’s energy company Sonatrach Toufic Hakkar announced the “recalculation” of its gas prices on April 1.
Spanish multinational natural gas and electrical energy company Naturgy announced an “ordinary price revision” with Sonatrach.
Both countries have been cooperating in the energy field for years. However, Algeria expressed anger after Spain’s decision to endorse Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the most serious and credible basis to resolve the dispute over Western Sahara.
The Algerian regime described Spain’s position change as “surprising” recalling its ambassador from Madrid for consultation.
Some observers believe that Algeria’s decision to increase gas prices for Spain came as a maneuver to put pressure on Pedro Sanchez’s government following the endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy initiative.
For years Algeria has been engaged in hostile and anti-Moroccan rhetoric, seeking to undermine Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Algeria finances, arms, shelters, and supports the Polisario Front claiming independence over Western Sahara.
Although Rebera said that Sonatrach informed Spanish companies of potential price increases, Algeria’s decision to reactivate talks on gas exports fees appears to be a direct response to the Spanish position change regarding Western Sahara.
However, Spain’s imports of Algerian gas significantly declined to 23% in February, compared to 45% over the previous months.
Around 50% to 60% of Spain’s imported gas came from Algeria between 2014 and 2018.
Spain renewed its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan on Thursday during a visit from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Sanchez visited Morocco and held a series of bilateral talks, including with King Mohammed VI.
The King of Morocco and Sanchez released a joint statement following the talks, announcing a new “sustainable and ambitious” roadmap to improve bilateral relations.
The two countries signed a number of agreements, including the immediate reopening of borders for passengers and goods, as well as cooperation in education, culture, and trade, among other sectors.
