In the wake of a fire that disrupted operations at the Alrar gas processing complex in Algeria's southeast, Sonatrach, the country's state-owned energy giant, has assured the public and its international partners that gas deliveries will remain unaffected. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 27, prompted swift action and reassurances from the company’s leadership.
The fire broke out at 1:00 a.m. in Train 1 of the Alrar gas complex, located in the Stah production region of Illizi, near the Libyan border. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Sonatrach’s immediate response involved activating the Mutual Assistance Plan (MAP) for the In Amenas production region, deploying resources to contain the blaze and minimize its impact.
No Impact on Domestic or International Supplies
Speaking during a site visit on December 1, Sonatrach CEO Rachid Hachichi emphasized that the fire's impact on production was limited to 30% of the Alrar complex's capacity. He assured customers that alternative measures had been implemented to maintain consistent gas supplies, both domestically and internationally.
“We have mobilized all our teams to ensure continuity in operations,” Hachichi stated. “The unaffected facilities are compensating for the shortfall, allowing us to supply 18 million cubic meters of gas daily to our customers.” This proactive approach has alleviated concerns among international partners, particularly Spain and Italy, which rely on Algerian gas via direct pipelines.
Ensuring Full Production Capacity
Efforts are underway to restore Train 1 to full functionality. According to Hachichi, teams are working tirelessly to expedite repairs and bring the damaged line back into service. An investigation is also being conducted to determine the cause of the fire.
Algeria’s gas production is a vital component of its economy, with annual output estimated at 103 billion cubic meters. Approximately half of this supply serves the domestic market, while the remainder is exported, solidifying Algeria’s position as a key energy supplier to Europe.
Global and Domestic Context
The incident comes at a critical time, as global gas markets are highly sensitive to disruptions. Sonatrach’s rapid response and assurance of uninterrupted supplies underscore the company's operational resilience and commitment to its stakeholders. With Europe seeking diverse and reliable energy sources amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Algeria’s role as a gas supplier remains indispensable.
Domestically, maintaining gas supply is equally critical. Algeria’s energy infrastructure supports millions of households and industries, and any prolonged disruption could have significant socioeconomic implications.
A Strong Track Record
Sonatrach’s effective crisis management reflects its experience as Africa's largest hydrocarbons company. With its robust infrastructure and strategic planning, the company has consistently demonstrated its ability to navigate challenges while maintaining operational stability.
As the investigation progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely for updates on the restoration of Train 1 and any potential measures to prevent future incidents. For now, the swift action and reassurances from Sonatrach offer a measure of stability in a region where energy security is paramount.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of resilience in the global energy supply chain, and Sonatrach’s handling of the situation sets a noteworthy example in the industry.
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