Italy clinched an agreement on April 11 to ramp up gas imports from Algeria by around 40% in its first major deal to find alternative supplies following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Report informs referring to Reuters.
In a visit to Algeria, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said agreements reached were a significant step in Italy's drive to cut its reliance on Russian gas.
Italy, which sources about 40% of its gas imports from Russia, has been scrambling to diversify its energy supply mix as the conflict in Ukraine escalates.
Ministers have tapped numerous countries like Congo, Angola, Azerbaijan and Qatar to find capacity to try and replace the 29 billion cubic meters Italy receives from Russia.
In a statement, Italian energy group Eni said it had agreed with Algeria's Sonatrach to gradually raise flows in the Transmed pipeline starting this year and reach 9 bcm of extra gas per year by 2023-24.
Italy is not the only country seeking alternative supplies. The European Commission has proposed Europe cut imports of Russian gas by two-thirds this year and phase them out by 2027.
https://report.az/en/energy/italy-clinches-gas-deal-with-algeria-to-ramp-up-imports-by-around-40/