Products developed in Algeria

1. LPG

Since the 1980's Algeria has implemented a policy of LPG development as an alternative for conventional fuel and in particular gasoline due to its important LPG reserves and to fight against pollution, such policy has come to maturity owing to:

The existence of a relatively important fleet of vehicles converted to LPG,
The setting up of fitters for LPG kits on vehicles throughout the territory,
The availability of an important network of filling stations delivering LPG,
The increasing demand for this product
The very attractive LPG/c price at the pump (important differential with gasoline),
The use of "Bupro" (Butane propan blending) the authorized butane content of which may reach 45% make possible the use of LPG deriving directly from natural gas and petroleum processing units in the south of the country.

Such niche in the market which need a strengthening of the distribution network, the setting up of storage capacities and adequate transport facilities, represents a secure opportunity for investors.

2. Unleaded Gazoline

Within the framework of the control of pollution in urban areas by vehicles exhaust gases a program has been adopted for the reduction of lead content in gazoline to a maximum of 0.40 g /L until 2002, then a maximum of 0.15 g/L for 2005 the date at which the lead ethyl gazoline will be prohibited.

Besides the reduction of lead in gasoline, alternative steps have been taken through the introduction of unleaded gasoline on the national market, in addition to the use of LPG currently in great demand.

Therefore the public company Naftal made available to consumers this product in 33 filling stations spread over the whole territory. The private retailers are also interested with the sale of this product .

3. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Concurrently with the maximization of LPG/fuel the sector of energy and mines launched an action programme for the introducing of natural gas as an automotive fuel on the domestic market.

Account being taken of results obtained on the international level in the technical economic and environmental field, a programme for extending the use of CNG as a fuel in Algeria has been adopted.

Such development programme the implementation of which has been entrusted to the national company for public distribution of natural gas "Sonelgaz" is split up into two phases :

1- First phase : (experimentation)

The construction of two CNG stations. These stations located in Gué de Constantine and Caroubier (Wilaya of Algiers) are already operational.
The conversion of 50 light vehicles belonging to Sonelgaz. Such shifting operation has already been realized.
The purchase under way of about ten buses running on natural gas.

2- Second phase (generalization)

The introduction of a regulations set intended for governing the activities related to the use of CNG as an automotive fuel (see draft texts),
The construction of 25 stations in the big Algerian cities (Algiers, Oran, Annaba and Constantine).
The development of the vehicle fleet running on CNG (Conversion of 10,000 light vehicles and extension of the bus fleet using CNG).