Algeria has increased crude production by 32,000 barrels a day (b/d) after bringing two oil fields online.

Production increased on 1 August, when the Bir Sebaa field started producing 20,000 b/d in addition to 12,000 b/d from the Bir el-Msana field in the Hassi Messaoud area, according to an energy ministry official who spoke to UK news agency Reuters.

The North African country has struggled to increase interest from international oil companies due to security problems and restrictive legislation.

Only four oil and gas blocks were awarded, out of a possible 31, in its most recent licensing round, held in September 2014.