All offshore gas blocks
are open for exploration

Bidding announced for the remaining nine licenses

The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) has launched the third licensing round for offshore oil and gas exploration in nine out of ten blocks in the country’s maritime exclusive economic zone.

All blocks are offered for bids with the exception of Block 9 which is still licensed to the consortium that includes TotalEnergies, Italy-based Eni, and QatarEnergy which has replaced Russia’s Novatek. No gas was found in this block following exploratory drilling carried out late last year.

Block 4, which was previously explored and also lacked commercial hydrocarbon quantities, is up again for bidding given that the same consortium has relinquished its exploration right in it. Last year, the consortium submitted bids for exploration work in blocks 8 and 10.

The deadline for the submission of applications by interested companies is July 2, 2024. Applications must be submitted to MoEW and the Lebanese Petroleum Administration.