Sonatrach feels the winds of change

Algeria’s state energy company has new leadership looking to inject fresh momentum into its upstream E&P sector—with majors’ interest piqued by untapped unconventional gas deposits

The shake up in state-owned Sonatrach’s senior management announced at the end of October suggests that, even in stately Algeria, change is making itself felt. The removal of Rachid Hachichi as head of Sonatrach—just two years into his stint as CEO—was described by Oil Minister Mohamed Arkab as an opportunity to create a new dynamic in Algeria’s hydrocarbons sector.  The move followed institutional changes in September that saw hydrocarbons responsibilities separated out from the Ministry of Energy. Hachichi’s replacement, Noureddine Daoudi, is a former head of the country’s upstream regulatory body, Alnaft.   7% – Algeria’s gas production decline in 2024 “There was speculation that