As concerns mount about global energy security, north African producers find themselves in a prime position and attracting much attention.

Algeria is already a big operator in the European market, providing the continent with about 13 per cent of its total gas consumption, while rapid investment in Egypt's gas sector over the past seven years has seen that nation rise to become the world's sixth largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer. Libya has been attracting renewed interest as it has opened up to international companies after years of isolation as a result of US and United Nations sanctions.