Former Sonatrach CEO Rachid Hachichi at the NAPEC 2024 event
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
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
