Italy's ENI confirmed the delivery of 3.1 billion cubic feet of liquified natural gas (LNG) from Algeria to the SNAM regasification terminal in Piombino, Italy. 

The gas cargo was produced at the Sonatrach liquefaction plant in Betihoua, Algeria, according to ENI's statement. 

ENI expects contracted volumes as it targets growth and expansion in its LNG sector to surpass 18 million tonnes in 2026, which is more than double the amount in 2022.

This is the first LNG delivery from Algeria to Italy, marking a significant tie-building strategy and a boost for the world gas economy, as European nations seek alternatives to Russian energy sources they themselves brought to a halt due to packages of sanctions targeting the country. 

Read next: Italian Eni, Algerian Sonatrach to increase energy supply to Europe

Piombino has a total processing capacity of 5 billion cubic meters annually or according to ENI, almost 7% of Italy’s gas.

This comes after ENI announced the acquisition of two gas-producing concessions from the British oil and gas corporation BP in Algeria back in February.

"Eni announces that it has achieved the closing for the acquisition of BP business in Algeria, regarding the two gas-producing concessions 'In Amenas' and 'In Salah', which are jointly operated with [Algerian state-owned oil company] Sonatrach and [Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company] Equinor," the Italian company said in a statement at the time. 

ENI's production in Algeria is projected to increase to more than 130,000 barrels of oil per day in 2023 as a result of these acquisitions and development initiatives in Algeria's Berkine basin, according to the announcement.