Though the global recession will eat into Algeria’s energy revenues and potentially slow new projects, hydrocarbons will continue to drive the country’s growth this year. Energy, and natural gas production in particular, dominates the economy, accounting for around 45 percent of gross domestic product and some 95 percent of export revenues. The extent of the industry’s influence on the economy becomes even more pronounced when the role of the state is taken into account, given that most of the funding for state services, infrastructure projects and subsidies comes directly from energy earnings. The sector is one of the few off limits to the privatization program. Industry and Investment promotion Minister Hamid Temmar told parliament in mid-January the only state enterprises that would not be sold off were the energy sector and the national railway. Earnings from hydrocarbons in 2009 are expected to drop to less than half their 2008 levels,
