(MENAFN) So as to balance a surge in local energy consumption that is extensively consuming crucial exports, Algeria ought to make use of its shale gas resources. However, time is required for growing the industry along with the need for far-fetched reforms at the state energy firm.

Even though the country is considered as a main gas provider to Europe, exports have struggled with holdups to a number of gas projects as well as a sudden increase in subsidized gas consumption since the raise of population.

The state energy firm Sonatrach estimated gas exports of Algeria to drop this year from 57 billion cubic metres in 2016 to 54 in 2017.

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