Morocco has sharply reduced its imports of natural gas from Spain in the first months of 2026, following a period of elevated demand at the start of the year. Data from Spain's gas grid operator, Enagás, shows a significant drop in flows through the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME), which connects the two countries via Algeria.
According to Enagás's operational reports, gas exports to Morocco averaged over 20 gigawatt-hours per day (GWh/d) in January 2026 but fell to an average of just 0.5 GWh/d by mid-March. This decline indicates a major shift in Morocco's energy procurement strategy for the period.
The reduction coincides with Morocco's broader energy diversification efforts, including increased reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports via its newly operational floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Nador. This infrastructure provides an alternative to pipeline gas, allowing for more flexible supply sourcing.
Analysts suggest the initial surge in imports at the start of the year may have been for strategic storage or to meet seasonal heating demand, with the subsequent slowdown reflecting a return to baseline consumption or a switch to other supply sources. The dynamics of the regional gas market, including Algeria's historical role as a supplier, continue to influence these trade flows.
