Algeria has granted BP new prospecting rights in its eastern basin as part of efforts to revitalize exploration activity and attract international investment into its hydrocarbon sector. The approval, announced on April 14, 2026 by the country’s upstream regulator ALNAFT, allows BP to carry out preliminary exploration work in the underexplored region, as reported by Reuters.
The prospecting authorisation permits activities such as geological surveys and subsurface studies aimed at assessing resource potential but does not include drilling or production rights, which require separate approvals. Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to unlock new reserves and improve understanding of Algeria’s largely untapped eastern basin.
Algeria’s hydrocarbon domain spans more than 1.7 million square kilometres, with significant portions still underexplored despite the country’s long-standing role as a major energy supplier to Europe. By deploying advanced exploration technologies and partnering with global energy firms, authorities aim to enhance resource discovery and boost long-term output.
BP’s return to exploration activity in Algeria signals renewed investor confidence in the country’s regulatory framework and energy sector reforms. The move underscores Algeria’s push to position itself as a key supplier in a tightening global energy market, particularly as Europe seeks diversified sources of oil and gas amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions.
