In late May 2020, ALNAFT director Noureddine Bedoui said that the agency planned to launch a bid round in the medium term. He expressed hope that the new hydrocarbon law under which the offering will be organized, will spur the interest of E&P companies. Bedoui recalled that the new law improves fiscal terms for operators and provides more flexibility in contract terms. He also mentioned that direct negotiations were possible for E&P companies wanting to enter into a partnership to explore or develop hydrocarbon resources. This refers to the numerous permits held 100% by Sonatrach. The state company has not enough resources to work on all this acreage and is keen to partner with IOC's.  The last bid round was held in Algeria in 2014. Since then, a new round has been considered several times but did never materialize. On 15 March 2017, the then ALNAFT Director Sid Ali Betata said that Algeria will wait until the crude oil market improves before launching its next licensing round. In December 2016, Betata said that his agency intends to launch its fifth bid round for hydrocarbon rights in 2017. In May 2015, it was reported that ALNAFT has started talks with oil companies in preparation for the next bid round. Around 50 oil companies were pre-qualified to take part in the bid round. In early December 2014 it was reported that ALNAFT intends to launch its next bid round, the fifth, in the third quarter of 2015. In late October 2014 Betata said at the closing of the fourth round that the new acreage offer will be launched âwithin weeksâ.
n late May 2020, ALNAFT director Noureddine Bedoui said that the agency planned to launch a bid round in the medium term. He expressed hope that the new hydrocarbon law under which the offering will be organized, will spur the interest of E&P companies. 