Algeria's upstream malaise

Despite having a healthy resource base, Algeria is finding it exceedingly difficult to attract investment in its upstream industry. Existing structural shortcomings such as red-tape, bureaucracy and slow decision making have been compounded by a depressed oil-price and perceived fiscal unattractiveness. This has lead to low interest in licensing rounds and a lack of appetite in exploration, leaving Sonatrach, the national oil company, in a precarious position as it attempts to fill the gap in activity left by IOCs. However, in light of Algeria’s deepening current account deficit, and the government's unwillingness to cut subsidies, Sonatrach will be challenged in funding this role.