Omanis hang tough in Algerian dispute

Following a quiet deal between Algeria’s Sonatrach and Egypt’s Orascom Construction Industries to resolve differences over their Sorfert Algérie joint venture to build a 2m t/yr greenfield nitrogen fertiliser complex, petrochemicals insiders are wondering if the prickly Algerian-Omani Fertiliser Project might also move towards resolution. Among difficult issues for state giant Sonatrach and Omani partner Suhail Bahwan Group (SBG) are differences over the balance of shareholdings and price of gas.