Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State and Minister of Energy and Mines, announced on Saturday in Algiers that the hydrocarbon sector has secured 17 new discoveries since the start of the year, driven by Sonatrach's own efforts. During a presentation to the Finance and Budget Committee of the National People's Assembly regarding the 2027 draft budget law, Arkab noted that Sonatrach's investments rose to over $6 billion in 2026, up from $5.3 billion in 2025.