Czechia wants to double gas imports from Algeria, secures pledge from president

Algiers, 26 October (CTK special correspondent) - Czechia is likely to double its imports of natural gas from Algeria from the current 200 million cubic metres. It has secured a preliminary pledge from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček told reporters in Algiers today. He said this was a step towards greater diversification of gas supplies to Czechia, which would put the country in a stronger position when negotiating prices.

"For Czech households, this is another guarantee that we will have enough gas," Havlíček said.

"The more suppliers there are, the more we diversify the risk, and the more we can also put pressure on prices," he added.

Havlíček also noted that stronger trade ties with Algeria could be beneficial for potential future gas imports. Algeria is increasing its export capacity, he said. Czechia should view this as a partnership from which it could benefit in a few years' time, he added.

Havlíček and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš also discussed possible deliveries of L-39 Skyfox subsonic aircraft, manufactured by Aero Vodochody. Algeria currently operates four dozen Albatros aircraft, the predecessor to the Skyfox. Havlíček said there was a possibility of delivering 12 to 24 aircraft to the North African country.

At meetings with Algerian government officials today, Czech representatives also discussed the possibility of jointly manufacturing tractors in Algeria, with Czechia providing the know-how and a substantial portion of the parts. Czechia is also interested in supplying trams from Škoda Transportation, and the Czech delegation will meet with Algerian partners on Tuesday to discuss a joint venture.