Eni Boosts Stake in Algeria’s Touat Gas Field After Engie Exit

By Charles Kennedy - Mar 02, 2026

Italy’s Eni has strengthened its position in Algeria’s onshore Touat natural gas field following the complete exit of France’s Engie, according to an Algerian presidential decree dated February 17 and published in the Official Journal on February 24.

The decree approves amendments to the long-standing hydrocarbon contract covering the Touat perimeter — blocks 352A and 353 — located in the Adrar wilaya of southwestern Algeria. Under the revised structure, Eni absorbs 8% of Engie’s former stake, raising its indirect participation to 42.9%. Thailand’s PTTEP acquires the remaining 22%, increasing its holding to 34%, while Algeria’s state energy firm Sonatrach retains its 35% stake. All gas production remains allocated to Sonatrach.

The Touat field, operational since 2019, experienced a prolonged shutdown beginning in late 2021 due to mercury contamination in processing facilities. Following significant remediation investments, output has recovered to roughly 13 million cubic meters per day, or about 4.5 billion cubic meters annually. The field is part of Algeria’s Western Sahara gas system and feeds infrastructure supplying domestic markets and exports to Europe.

The reshuffle underscores a broader shift in Algeria’s energy sector, with Italian and Asian players expanding their footprint as some French operators scale back. Algeria remains a strategic pillar for Eni in Africa, ranking second on the continent in total payments to host governments in 2024 at $1.2 billion. Eni and PTTEP are also jointly exploring the nearby Reggane 2 block, awarded in the country’s 2024 bid round, signaling continued investment momentum in the Adrar basin.