Algeria has increased its crude oil output after adding production from two new fields, an energy ministry official told Reuters on Sunday.
Total output grew by 32,000 barrels per day (bpd) after production from the Bir Sebaa field in the northeast part of the country reached 20,000 bpd, while the Bir Msana field in Hassi Messaoud area pumped 12,000 bpd, according to the official.
Algeria produced an average 1.1mn bpd in July, according to a Reuters survey.
In January, state-owned Sonatrach said it will invest a minimum of $70bn over the next 20 years to develop Algeria’s shale gas reserves.
Speaking to state radio, managing director Said Sahnoun said the energy giant intendeds to drive forward with its plans to produce in the country’s southern desert.
Under the plans, Sonatrech is aiming to produce 20bn cubic metres of shale gas each year across 200 drilling sites.
Algeria is a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
