Casablanca – Morocco’s natural gas imports declined during the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the challenges of securing regular supplies in a market still dependent on external infrastructure and international suppliers. Although the country avoided any prolonged shortages, the fluctuations observed in the opening months of the year underscored the importance of strengthening storage capacity and diversifying supply routes.

According to data reported by specialized energy platform Attaqa, Morocco imported 1.98 terawatt-hours (TWh) of natural gas between January and March 2026, compared with 2.33 TWh during the same period in 2025. This represents a decline of approximately 15% year-on-year.

The reduction came despite continued efforts by the government to reassure the market that available stocks remain sufficient to meet domestic demand for electricity generation and industrial consumption.

Contrasting monthly trends

The quarterly figures reveal a highly uneven pattern.

Imports rose significantly in January 2026, reaching 822 gigawatt-hours (GWh), up from 672 GWh in January of the previous year. The increase suggested a strong start to the year and reflected higher deliveries through Morocco’s existing supply channels.

However, the trend reversed in the following months. Imports fell to 572 GWh in February, compared with 700 GWh in February 2025. In March, volumes remained subdued at 583 GWh, down sharply from 956 GWh a year earlier.

The March decline was accompanied by a four-day interruption in deliveries during the third week of the month. Although the disruption did not lead to shortages in the domestic market, it highlighted the operational risks associated with Morocco’s current import structure.

Reliance on external infrastructure

Morocco imports liquefied natural gas (LNG) through an indirect route that depends on infrastructure outside its borders.

LNG cargoes are delivered to Spain, where they are regasified before being transported to Morocco via the Maghreb–Europe Gas Pipeline. The pipeline, originally designed to transport Algerian gas to Europe, now operates in reverse and has become a central component of Morocco’s gas supply system.

The Kingdom sources gas from multiple suppliers, including the United States, Russia, and Shell. This diversification provides some flexibility but also leaves Morocco exposed to logistical, technical, and market-related disruptions.

Any interruption in shipping schedules, regasification operations, or pipeline availability can affect the timing and regularity of deliveries.

Government focus on strategic storage

In response to these vulnerabilities, the government has accelerated plans to strengthen strategic energy reserves.

Leila Benali, Moroccan minister of energy transition and sustainable development, recently presented a national strategy aimed at increasing storage capacity and improving the geographic distribution of energy infrastructure.

The plan includes the addition of 1.5 million cubic meters of storage capacity by 2030. Total investment is estimated at approximately $618.6 million.

The strategy also calls for better use of existing facilities, including those at SAMIR, and a more balanced regional distribution of storage infrastructure.

Currently, about 80% of Morocco’s storage capacity is concentrated in the Casablanca-Settat and Tanger-Tétouan regions. Authorities intend to expand infrastructure in emerging industrial and port hubs such as Nador West Med.

Long-term contract with shell

To reduce exposure to short-term market volatility, Morocco signed a 12-year LNG supply agreement with Shell.

The contract provides for annual deliveries of approximately 500 million cubic meters of LNG. The agreement is expected to improve visibility over future import volumes and help smooth fluctuations in supply.

Such long-term arrangements are increasingly viewed as an essential tool for countries seeking to ensure stable access to gas amid volatile global energy markets.

Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline

Beyond immediate supply measures, Morocco continues to advance the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, one of Africa’s most ambitious energy infrastructure projects.

The pipeline, estimated to cost $25 billion, is designed to transport Nigerian natural gas through several West African countries to Morocco, with a future connection to European markets.

If completed, the project would significantly expand Morocco’s access to regional gas resources while reinforcing its role as a strategic energy hub linking Africa and Europe.

Energy security in a volatile environment

The first quarter of 2026 served as a practical test of Morocco’s gas supply system. Despite temporary disruptions and lower import volumes, the country maintained continuity of supply and avoided prolonged interruptions.

At the same time, the period highlighted the importance of improving the resilience of a model that depends on external infrastructure and international market conditions.

In the near term, import trends will continue to be shaped by domestic demand, LNG prices, shipping logistics, and the performance of European regasification facilities.

Over the longer term, Morocco’s strategy combines expanded storage capacity, long-term commercial agreements, and major infrastructure projects to strengthen energy security and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

As natural gas remains an important component of Morocco’s energy mix, ensuring reliable and diversified supply sources is expected to remain a central priority in the country’s broader energy transition strategy.