Summary:

On 3 September 2026, Algerian Minister of State for Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab met with a delegation from US engineering company Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) to discuss expanding the company’s presence in Algeria and cooperation with Sonatrach.  

The discussions covered potential cooperation in engineering, project management and advanced technologies, including projects related to gas development, downstream industries and petrochemicals. 

 KBR also expressed its willingness to support Sonatrach with technical and engineering expertise in upstream oil and gas and petrochemicals. The company has maintained a relationship with Sonatrach since the 1980s and has previously contributed to major gas, oil and industrial projects in Algeria. 

Outlook: 

KBR’s renewed interest reflects the growing strategic importance of Algeria’s hydrocarbons sector to US energy and engineering companies seeking longer-term positions in the country.  

Sonatrach’s continued push to develop gas production, downstream industries and more advanced processing is creating further demand for international technical expertise. As the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect global energy flows, Algeria also has greater scope to strengthen its position as an alternative supplier, particularly to European markets seeking greater supply diversification.  

This could raise the strategic value of Algeria’s energy infrastructure and encourage deeper engagement from international companies. KBR’s long-standing relationship with Sonatrach gives it an established position to benefit from this momentum and compete for future projects. 

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