RIYADH: Algeria’s natural gas exports to Italy are expected to increase by 20 percent to 25.2 billion cubic meters, as Europe moves to reduce its dependence on Russian imports. Toufik Hakkar, CEO of the African country’s state energy firm Sonatrach, said the supply prospects for Algeria in the Italian market are promising, Bloomberg reported. Data from Italy’s gas network reveals that the country has bought 20.9 bcm of natural gas from Algeria in 2021. Hakkar revealed that additional volumes of gas to Italy will be delivered in the coming weeks. “Sonatrach reassures its Italian customers of its ability to supply the contracted volumes over the entire contract period,” said Hakkar. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, several European countries are looking for alternative energy suppliers. Last April, Italy entered into an agreement with Algeria to increase imports through the Trans-Med pipeline. In July, former Italian president Mario Draghi visited Algeria and requested for more gas supply, the report added.