Magharebia

Algerian Energy and Mining Minister Chakib Khelil announced on Thursday (6 April) in Algiers that a development programme for hydrocarbon prospecting and exploration in seven northern provinces had been agreed to through 2010. According to the minister, Sonatrach has shifted operations from the Sour el-Ghozlane (Bouira) region, to exploration in the high plateaus -- including El Bayadh, Laghouat, Tiaret, Djelfa Saida, Khenchla, and Tebessa -- as part of the government's additional development programme for the hydrocarbons sector. Khelil said also he expect high oil prices until the end of the year as demand for crude oil remains "very high" because of economic growth. (UPI, APS)