Niger has taken delivery of approximately 1.65 million litres of petroleum products from Algeria, following the arrival of a 53-truck convoy in the northern city of Agadez.
The shipment, which arrived over the weekend under military protection from both countries, marks the first major fuel delivery from Algeria to Niger as the two neighbouring countries expand cooperation in the energy sector.
Niger’s state broadcaster, RTN, reported that the convoy was escorted by military personnel throughout its journey.
The delivery comes as Niger faces shortages of petrol and diesel, which its government has linked to disruptions in global energy supply, geopolitical conflicts and rising petroleum prices.
Algeria’s growing energy relationship with Niger is also supported by investments by its state-owned oil and gas company, Sonatrach, in the West African country.
A major component of their energy partnership is the proposed $13 billion Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a joint project involving Algeria, Niger and Nigeria. The pipeline is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria for onward supply to European and other international markets.
Beyond energy trade, security cooperation between both countries has also intensified following a period of diplomatic disagreements after Niger’s July 2023 military coup.
In August 2026, Algeria supplied Niger with four military helicopters, comprising two Mi-24V attack helicopters and two Mi-171 transport helicopters, alongside ammunition, spare parts and maintenance equipment.
Algeria also deployed four Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and an aerial refuelling aircraft to support Niger following an attempted mutiny against the country’s military government.
The cooperation comes as Niger continues to confront security threats from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State across the Sahel region.
With significant uranium, oil and gold deposits, Niger remains strategically important to Algeria’s economic and security interests in the region.
