Sonatrach, Algeria's national energy utility, recorded a turnover of 13 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2007, Mohamed Meziane, Sonatrach chief executive was quoted as saying by the local press on Monday.

In 2006, Sonatrach exported some 140 million Ton Oil Equivalent (TOE) of hydrocarbons which generated revenues of 54 billion dollars, compared with the 46 billion dollars recorded in 2005.

The hydrocarbons sector in Algeria, which is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), plays an important role in the economic development of the country.

The exportation of hydrocarbon products generates 98 percent of the total foreign exchange for the country.

Source: Xinhua