Naftal to Import 3.5 Million Tires by Early 2027
Mohamed Arkab, the Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, announced that Algeria is set to import 3.5 million tires during the first three months of 2027. This initiative, managed by Naftal, aims to address national market shortages and stabilize prices, thereby supporting consumer and industry demand. The announcement was made in Oran on the sidelines of the NAPEC 2026 exhibition opening.
This new operation builds on an existing strategy where Naftal has already imported 1 million tire units over an eight-month period, marking an initial phase of market intervention. These efforts have demonstrated measurable positive effects on prices, with tire costs reportedly decreasing from approximately 24,000 dinars during a period of market tension to around 13,000 dinars after the public operator's involvement. Naftal has been tasked by the state to restore order in a sector previously marked by supply issues and speculative practices.
To facilitate efficient distribution, Naftal has significantly reorganized its logistical operations, selecting thirteen foreign suppliers through a second international tender. The company has also expanded its distribution network by opening several hundred additional pickup points, particularly for online orders. These improvements have increased Naftal's daily distribution capacity to 6,000 tires, a previously unprecedented level. The introduction of an online ordering platform is part of a broader strategy to eliminate intermediaries and ensure direct supply. While annual national tire demand is estimated at 6.5 million units, local production contributes significantly, with one domestic producer having a theoretical capacity of nearly 3.8 million tires per year, covering over half of the country's consumption.
