Algeria Supports Tunisia in Overcoming Domestic Gas Crisis Amid Growing Economic Ties
Algeria steps in with vital gas supplies to help Tunisia during a harsh winter, continuing its history of financial and economic aid to its neighbor..
Watan-At the beginning of 2025, Algeria intervened to help resolve Tunisia’s domestic gas crisis amid increased local demand caused by plummeting temperatures.
On January 3, 2025, Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy announced it had received over 22,000 tons of domestic gas from Algeria to meet the rising demand during the ongoing winter cold wave.
This is not the first time Algeria has supported Tunisia in recent years, particularly as Tunisia faces mounting financial and economic challenges.
- In 2020, Algeria deposited $150 million in Tunisia.
- In December 2021, it provided a $30 million loan.
- In December 2022, Algeria extended another $200 million loan along with a $100 million financial grant.
- Additionally, the two countries signed 27 agreements in December 2021, covering various sectors, including security, justice, industry, and energy.
Deeper Support
Nassreddine Ben Hadid, an Algerian journalist living in Tunisia, emphasized that beyond official loans, Algeria’s informal support has been significant. He pointed out that Algeria has allowed Tunisians to purchase essential goods from Algerian markets, turning a blind eye to informal cross-border trade.
Ben Hadid remarked, “From Tabarka (Jendouba Governorate in the north) to Hazoua (Tozeur Governorate in the southwest), the primary source of income for many Tunisians is supported by Algeria. Moreover, Tunisia remains a key destination for Algerian tourists traveling abroad.”
He added, “Algeria’s relationship with Tunisia transcends ideological differences. Algeria maintains ties with the current official authorities, regardless of their political stance. Its priority is maintaining security and fostering cooperation. Over the years, approximately 300,000 Tunisians have found employment in Algeria.”
In previous statements, Ayman Rahmani, Director of Studies and International Cooperation at the National Tourism Board (a government body under the Ministry of Tourism), noted that “Algerian tourists set a record in 2023, accounting for over 3 million out of nearly 9.3 million total visitors to Tunisia.”
A One-Sided Relationship
Former Tunisian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ounaies explained, “Algeria’s leadership believes it has a historical mission due to its central geographical position and economic strength, making it a key player in advancing regional integration in the Maghreb.”
He added, “In Tunisia, we experienced a democratic revolution that disrupted regional systems. However, Algeria has maintained its political course and extended a helping hand to Tunisia, which has needed deeper economic assistance than other neighbors could provide.”
Meanwhile, Ridha Chkandali, an economics professor at the University of Tunisia, highlighted other economic factors driving strong Tunisian-Algerian relations. He stated, “The Tunisian-Algerian economic relationship is one-sided because Tunisia depends on Algeria for energy, particularly gas, to cover its deficit.”
Chkandali warned that “economic dependence could lead to political dependence, influencing Tunisia’s major political decisions, such as aligning more closely with the Eastern bloc or adopting protectionist policies.”
