Morocco becomes Spain's main gas customer, surpassing France

Morocco has overtaken France and become Spain's main importer of natural gas, according to recent data from the Corporation of Strategic Reserves of Petroleum Products (Cores). This milestone reflects sustained growth in the North African country's energy demand, with 886 million cubic metres of gas imported in 2024, an increase on the 861 million recorded in 2023. 

Figures compiled by The Objective reveal that Morocco received 9,703 gigawatt hours of natural gas through the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, which connects the two countries, surpassing France, whose supply reached 9,362 gigawatt hours. In comparison, Portugal imported only 4,056 gigawatt hours, lagging significantly behind on the list of Spanish gas customers. 

The growth in Moroccan imports has been reflected in quarterly variations. In the first quarter of 2024, Morocco imported 186 million cubic metres of gas, increasing to 219 million in the second quarter. However, this period saw a slight drop compared to the same quarter in 2023, when 234 million cubic metres were imported. The highest peak was reached in the third quarter, with 252 million cubic metres, while in the last quarter of the year the figure dropped to 229 million.  

Analysis of these data indicates that the highest imports were in July and August, reflecting seasonal trends in demand. According to Attaqa, this annual growth of 3% in gas imports is a response to the need to guarantee the country's energy supply. 

Despite this growing dependence on imported gas, Morocco has stated its intention to become self-sufficient in natural gas production in the future. To this end, it plans to progressively reduce its dependence on foreign gas and promote local energy sources, such as electricity generated from phosphates and other renewable energies.  

This change in the energy landscape between Spain and Morocco reinforces the importance of gas infrastructure in the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline and Medgaz, in addition to Spain's six regasification plants. In a global context of energy transition, the flow of gas between the two countries is emerging as a key factor for the region's energy stability and security.