-- Algeria launched its Bid Round 2026 on Sunday, comprising of seven areas for potential hydrocarbon exploration, according to the African Energy Council.
The launch of the round enables oil and gas companies to submit bids by Nov. 26 for exploration licenses in identified areas, as the country seeks to increase energy sector investment.
The areas on offer are in Ouargla, Illizi, Touggourt and El Bayadh and are prospects for both oil and gas. Oil volumes are estimated in the hundreds of millions of barrels, it said, while gas volumes are believed to be "large".
Successful bidders will sign contracts with state-controlled Sonatrach on Jan. 31, 2027, the council said, either in the form of production sharing or participation agreements, depending on the block.