Algeria's Energy Minister Says Natural Gas Still Crucial in Energy Mix at NAPEC 2026

Algeria's Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, told the NAPEC 2026 conference in Oran that natural gas will keep a major role in meeting global energy demand. He described gas as a flexible energy source and a bridge to cleaner systems, and called for continued investment in oil and gas alongside low-carbon technologies. The event's theme, 'from energy transition to energy addition,' points to a pragmatic approach that balances security, affordability, and decarbonization. The remarks underline a common tension in climate policy: gas is a fossil fuel, but many governments still see it as a backup for intermittent renewables and a feedstock for industrial use. Arkab gave no specific targets for emissions cuts or investment levels, but the conference's size, with over 450 exhibitors and 230 speakers, shows the region's focus on energy infrastructure. For observers tracking energy transition debates, this is another data point on how producer countries frame gas as part of the solution.