In the past two years, following the reactivation of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline by the Spanish government to supply Morocco with gas after Algeria’s unilateral closure, the North African kingdom has become Spain’s second-largest gas importer, after France.
This year, deliveries to Morocco have accounted for 16.5% of Spain’s gas re-exports, a remarkable increase from 12.5% last year and about 5% in the second half of 2022 when the flow began, according to the same source.
It was also noted that gas deliveries to Morocco have nearly reached the maximum capacity of the Maghreb-Europe pipeline, with several months exceeding 90% of the limit of 960 gigawatt hours (GWh) per month.
According to combined data from Cores and Enagás, almost the full capacity was utilized in August, with 958 GWh sent to Morocco.
In January 2024, Morocco was ranked as the top destination for Spanish gas, accounting for 28% of monthly exports, as mentioned by the same source.
It was also emphasized that Spain does not directly sell gas to Morocco. Instead, it receives gas purchased by Morocco from various suppliers at its regasification plants and channels it through the Tarifa pipeline.
All gas exported from Spain to Morocco is certified and monitored to exclude Algerian gas, in accordance with the requirements of the Algerian government, Iberian media stressed.
It was explained that the step towards Morocco intensified Spain’s diplomatic clash with Algeria, which was triggered by Pedro Sánchez’s shift towards Western Sahara in favor of Morocco.
Algeria responded by severing commercial ties with Spain, except for gas sales, and threatened to cancel gas contracts if Spanish companies redirected supplies to Morocco.
The same source added that Spain insists on strict measures to prevent any diversion of Algerian gas to Morocco and has implemented a special monitoring plan.
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