ST. PETERSBURG, July 27. /TASS/. Gazprom plans to start the production of hydrocarbons at the El Assel area in Algeria in 2026, Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov said in an interview with TASS on the eve of the Russia-Africa summit.

"We also discussed Gazprom’s operations in the country. In 2026, the company plans to start the production of hydrocarbons at the El Assel area," he said.

Overall, Russia and Algeria agreed to expand the presence of Russian companies in gas production projects in Algeria, the minister added.

Gazprom and Algeria’s state oil and gas corporation Sonatrach jointly develop the El Assel area in the country. Gazprom International is the operator of the project at the geological exploration stage. Gazprom’s share in the project totals 49%, while Sonatrach holds 51%.

The second Russia-Africa summit is scheduled to take place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on July 27-28, with an economic and humanitarian forum to be held concurrently. This time, same as in 2019 when the first such summit was held, the motto is 'For Peace, Security, and Development.' Roscongress Foundation is the organizer of the event. TASS is the photo hosting agency and information partner of the summit and the forum, and it also holds the second Russia-Africa media forum.