Available information indicates that Sonatrach drilled an exploration well in the Berkine Ouest / 404a block, Berkine Basin, south-east of the country. Operations at the well were concluded in February 2020 and it is understood that the well may have found hydrocarbons. The well is located around 5 km south east of the Rhourde Ech Chouil Sud-ouest 1 gas discovery operated also by Sonatrach.  The Berkine Ouest exploration block was awarded to Sonatrach in 2010, it covers 1,409 sq km and is operated by the company with a 100% interest.
(Berkine B.), Berkine Ouest-3 exploration well, operated by SONATRACH (100%) in Berkine Ouest / 404a block, may have found hydrocarbons. 