Shale gas, a long-term option for Algeria

Shale gas "is a long-term option" for Algeria and that can be deferred to 2040, said Thursday here Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal during a meeting with representatives of employers’ organizations and the Central Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA). "We are not going to pump shale gas today but in the long term, may be by 2040," said Sellal in response to the current debate in Algeria on shale gas. The Prime Minister also underlined that hydrocarbons constitute an essential lever for the economic development of the country. "Development is achieved with oil and we should use all our capacities to further boost our economy," he said addressing those speaking about post-oil economy. The PM, who chaired the meeting in the presence of the ministers of Finance, Trade, Industry and Labour, and the Governor of Bank of Algeria, said to be committed to provide all "necessary conditions and business environment to boost the business sector and combat the informal market.