Algeria’s new hydrocarbon law: better terms, bad timing?

Protesters march through the streets of Algiers. (PA)

Algeria’s proposed new hydrocarbon law seeks to make upstream investment in the country more attractive, but continuing political unrest means it is unlikely to be implemented this year.

The draft law follows long-running efforts led by state-owned Sonatrach to boost investment in Algeria, which will be vital to increasing gas production in the country. However, the timing of the new law – which is currently passing through parliament but is not scheduled for a vote – is ill-judged considering the continuing public protests. Former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika...