Sonatrach Evaluates Bilma Block Amid Niger Energy Expansion
Algeria is expanding its energy footprint in Niger, with the Bilma oil block now under evaluation to broaden cooperation between the two nations. This development follows a two-day working visit to Niamey by Algeria's Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, during which discussions included the continued assessment of new blocks, notably Bilma. This initiative builds upon existing exploration efforts conducted by Sonatrach.
Sonatrach, through its international subsidiary SIPEX, has maintained a presence in Niger since 2005, actively exploring the Kafra permit in the Agadez region near the Algerian border. This 23,737 km² area is subject to a production sharing contract, under which Sonatrach has acquired extensive seismic data and drilled two exploration wells. A significant oil discovery was made with the Kafra-1 well. A new program commenced on August 13, 2026, involving four additional exploration wells, executed by Sonatrach's subsidiary ENAFOR, to further define the permit's potential for commercial development.
Beyond exploration, Algerian-Nigerien energy partnership has strengthened commercially. On August 14, Sonatrach and the Société nigérienne des produits pétroliers (Sonidep) jointly commercialized a first cargo of Nigerien crude, 'Meleck', from the Sèmè terminal in Benin. Additionally, Sonatrach initiated its first deliveries of Jet A1 fuel to the Nigerien market from its Adrar refinery during the same month. Cooperation also extends to infrastructure projects, with the Algerian delegation monitoring maintenance work at the Zinder refinery and progress on the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, where work on the Algerian section began in June.
