Primary energy deficit dropped 13% by late August to 3 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) against 3.5 Mtoe one year earlier (taking into account Algerian gas royalties).

The energy independence rate, which represents the ratio of primary energy resources to primary energy consumption, stood at 53% in the first eight months of 2021 against 43% in the first eight months of 2020. The energy independence rate would be limited to 43% compared to 39% if royalities were not taken into account, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines said Thursday in its note on energy market conditions.

The shrinking deficit is the result of improved primary energy resources which stood at 3.45 Mtoe by late August, that is 33% on last year.

This rise is driven by higher national oil and gas production as well as Algerian gas royalties which increased more than 150% in the first eight months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

Oil and gas production accounts for 77% of total primary energy resources.

The share of Algerian gas royalties almost doubled in one year, rising from 10% to 19%. The share of renewable electricity (production of Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas only) is low and represents 1% of primary resources.

Primary energy demand grew 7% to 6.5 Mtoe fueled by higher demand for natural gas (+4%) and oil products (+10%).

Source: Tap News Agency