Algerian energy company Sonatrach, spends $ 50 million to secure its production facilities.

The loss caused by the stoppage of the production in the gas facility of Ain Amenass in the wake of the terrorist attack carried out last week end was estimated at 10% of the Algerian total production and 15% of the daily exports, the Algerian energy ministry has revealed.

The production capacity of the gas facility of Tiguantourine is estimated at 10 % of the Algerian total production of gas which represents 9 billion cubic metres. The gross total production of gas has reached 90 billion cubic metres over the year 2012.

The Algerian energy minister Youcef Youcefi has revealed to the journalists that the stoppage of the production has spared Algeria dramatic consequences, since the terrorists were plotting to seize the gas facility and resume production.

The terrorist attack has reduced the Algerian import of gas toward Italy by 17% over the two days of standoff. Then average supply is estimated at 75 million cubic metres in normal situations.

The terrorists have set ablaze some compartments of the gas plant but the local authorities have indicated that the damage were not dramatic since they were not sensitive. To recall, the security forces have stopped the gas production since the beginning of the attack and the fire was put under control by the military troops.

The Algerian state-run energy company Sonatrach has announced that the amount dedicated to the safety of its strategic facilities has reached $ 50 million over the years 2012 and 2013 as part of a contract sealed with three Algerian insuurace companies including Cash, Caar and Caat.