Algerian output averaged 1.1 million b/d in March compared with a quota of 811 b/d. 'Last year we made six discoveries, of which four were by Sonatrach alone,' said Khelil. 'In 2003, I hope we will do better in terms of the discovery of fields.' He said that in 2003 Algeria was offering 12 new blocs for exploration. Khelil also suggested that output from the Hassi Messaoud field, Algeria's largest, could be raised above its current 300,000 b/d. 'Hassi Messaoud has not said its last word,' he said. 'Hassi Mesaoud is a giant and will remain a giant for a long time to come.'