Tunisia's Natural Gas Resources Decline Amid Algerian Transit Royalty Drop

Tunisia's natural gas resources declined by 14% in May 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to a report from the National Observatory of Energy and Mines (ONEM). The total volume reached 698 ktoe (net calorific value equivalent) at the end of May.

Domestic production remained stable, with some fields experiencing increases. The Nawara field saw a 10% rise in production, while Chergui recorded a 26% increase. However, output from the Hasdrubal field declined by 17%. In contrast, South Commercial Gas production rose by 5%.

The fiscal royalty earned from Algerian gas transit fell by 33%, reaching 225 ktoe (net calorific value equivalent) at the end of May 2026. The majority of this royalty, around 87%, was allocated to the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG). A discrepancy in STEG's withdrawals and the state's royalty entitlement from last year is currently being regularized.

Algerian gas purchases increased by 8% between May 2025 and May 2026, totaling 1,143 ktoe. Tunisia's natural gas supply remained virtually unchanged over the period, standing at 1,812 ktoe at the end of May 2026.