Production at two Algeria gas fields recently started, which Italy’s Eni SpA said will help “satisfy the demands of the European market.”

Eni and Algerian state oil and gas producer Sonatrach announced on Oct. 10 the recent start of production from the two gas fields within the new Berkine South contract at 1 million cubic meters per day. Output will reach two million before the end of the year to boost Algeria’s gas exports, Sonatrach added.

Berkine South is the first contract to be signed under the new Algerian hydrocarbon law 19-13 and is operated by Eni and Sonatrach. The new volumes are added to the Berkine North contract and other operated regional activities, according to Eni’s release.

Following this operation and the development programs in the Berkine basin, Eni’s production in Algeria is expected to reach over 120,000 boe/d in 2023.

Eni has been present in Algeria since 1981 and is currently the main international energy company operating in the country. In September, the company announced that it had agreed to acquire BP’s operations in Algeria, including “In Amenas” and “In Salah”, which the company said was “the most important gas production fields operated by international companies in the country.”