A looming recession that is brought into effect by the Ukraine-Russia conflict has resulted in a dearth of gas resources (imported from Russia) in Europe – and as nations look to curtail the consequences of the pandemic, Italy has reportedly fortified its gas deal from Algeria.

The news comes as European countries look for alternatives to Russia for gas supplies. Italy, in particular, had decided to become independent of gas from Moscow following the onset of conflict.

The Russians previously pumped 29 billion cubic metres of gas a year to Italy.

“In recent months, Algeria has become the main gas supplier for our country,” Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in Algiers after a meeting of ministers from both governments.

Algeria has now pledged an additional 4 billion cubic metres to the 21 billion cubic metres of gas a year already agreed.

Algeria supplies the gas via the Transmed pipeline, which runs through the Mediterranean to Sicily. Italy has also secured gas deals with Qatar and Azerbaijan, among others.

Gas was not the only issue on the agenda. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed satisfaction with 15 other agreements signed with Italy in areas including renewable energy, construction, and the fight against corruption.