Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is meeting Algerian officials to secure alternative gas supplies as Middle Eastern conflicts disrupt key energy sources. Qatar, which provided 33% of Italy’s LNG imports in 2025, suspended contracts after Iranian attacks on its Ras Laffan facility. Algeria, Italy’s primary gas supplier via the Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline, could fill the gap but faces domestic consumption challenges.

The move follows Meloni’s recent electoral defeat in a judiciary reform referendum, highlighting public discontent. With 44% of Italy’s electricity reliant on gas plants—double the EU average—the government faces pressure to stabilize energy costs. Analysts note Algeria’s limited surplus capacity, as it uses half its production and gas demand rose 7% last year.

Italy’s renewable energy sector also lags, with 2025 installations down 8.2% and 150 GW of projects stalled by bureaucracy. Energy economist Carlo Stagnaro warns the crisis underscores the urgency of renewables for energy security, a stance Meloni has previously criticized as “EU dogma.”

Meloni’s trip aims to demonstrate action on energy security amid political turmoil. However, balancing short-term gas deals with long-term green transitions remains a pivotal challenge for her administration.