Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline: Algeria Closes Door to Gas Exports to Spain and Morocco – “Completely Shut”

The “Energy Platform” reported that Algeria has rejected in recent months any proposal to resume natural gas exports to Spain through the Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline, which runs across Moroccan territory.

Gas flow through the pipeline stopped on October 31, 2021, after the expiration of the contract, amid strained diplomatic relations between Algeria and Morocco over the Western Sahara dispute. According to sources cited by the platform, Algerian officials described the matter as “completely closed.”

Spanish Proposal, Algerian Rejection
Sources told the platform that Spain and several international partners proposed restarting the pipeline to facilitate the flow of Algerian gas to Europe, while allowing Morocco to benefit from part of the supplies to meet domestic demand at lower prices compared to gas currently imported via Spain. However, Algeria reportedly dismissed the proposals, reaffirming that the issue remains closed.

Pipeline significance
The Maghreb–Europe Gas Pipeline spans approximately 1,620 kilometers, with a design capacity of 12 billion cubic meters annually. Morocco previously received around one billion cubic meters per year and transit fees in exchange for allowing gas to pass through its territory. After the contract expired, Morocco began operating the pipeline in reverse, importing regasified LNG from Spain under temporary arrangements to meet local demand.

Morocco’s Current Energy Imports
In July 2023, Morocco signed an agreement with Shell to import 500 million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually. Energy imports rose significantly in 2025, reaching about 6.73 terawatt-hours between January and August, compared to 6.29 terawatt-hours in the same period of 2024. Monthly imports remained steady in August at 992 gigawatt-hours — the highest level since the beginning of the year.

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