ALGIERS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Algeria's state-run oil group Sonatrach announced on Sunday two hydrocarbon discoveries in Berkine basin, bringing to seven the number of oil and gas finds by the national company this year, state-run APS news agency reported.

The discoveries were made following drilling operations of the exploration wells in Menzel Ledjmet South East-9 (MLSE-9), and Zemlet el-Regab South (ZERS-1), respectively in blocks 405a and 405b1, the company said in a statement.

Last Sunday, Sonatrach unveiled two hydrocarbon discoveries in Illizi basin after drilling operations of the exploring wells of In Akarnil-2 (IAK-2) and Ain Antar East-2 (AARE-2) in blocks 239a and 244a respectively in Tinhert area in Illizi basin, around 1, 500 km south of capital Algiers.

Algeria is the world's fourth largest gas exporter and eighth biggest crude exporter, and its economy is largely relying on the energy sector.