Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab stated at the "WPC Energy 2026" conference in Riyadh that global demand for oil and gas will keep growing in the coming decades, driven by industrial and population expansion in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He highlighted the need for sustained investment in infrastructure to ensure supply security, while underscoring the importance of OPEP+ in maintaining market balance. Addressing the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline project, Arkab announced that it has moved beyond the study phase, with construction on the Algerian section officially underway since early June 2026. The project is designed to transport Nigerian gas through Algeria to global markets. Additionally, the Minister highlighted the "Algeria Bid Round 2026," which offers seven investment blocks to international partners, with contract finalizations targeted before March 2027. He also noted that LNG is expected to account for 65% of global gas trade, necessitating long-term cooperation between producers and consumers.