Three fields in distinct basins
The first gas discovery involves exploration well A1-69/02, located in block 95/96 of the Ghadames basin, near the Algerian border. Operated by Sonatrach, the Algerian state-owned group, the site recorded 13 million cubic feet of gas per day and 327 barrels of condensates during production tests, according to the NOC. A second gas discovery relates to offshore block D, approximately 95 kilometers from the Libyan coast and operated with Eni: production tests on well J1-4/16 yielded between 14 and 24 million cubic feet of gas per day. At the third site, in the Murzuq basin, well J1-4/130 operated with Repsol produced 763 barrels of oil per day during tests, within contractual zone 131/130.
The NOC notes that the announced volumes correspond to levels observed during post-drilling tests. Additional tests will be required to confirm the extent of the resources, their characteristics, and the sites’ capacity to produce hydrocarbons at economically viable levels. These results therefore remain preliminary, pending a full field assessment.
A sustained recovery in exploration activity
These announcements are part of an intensifying exploration dynamic in Libya over recent months. In March 2026, Eni had already announced two new gas discoveries in the country, totaling more than 1,000 billion cubic feet. In November 2025, the NOC had also reported an oil and gas discovery in the Ghadames basin. In parallel, Libyan authorities assigned the American group Chevron in late March 2026 the study of offshore block NC146 to assess its hydrocarbon potential.
These developments are part of Libya’s first oil and gas licensing round since 2007, which attracted strong participation from foreign companies. According to results published in February 2026, Chevron secured onshore block Syrte S4, while Eni and QatarEnergy won offshore block 01. In October 2025, the Libyan government announced a target to raise oil production to 1.6 million barrels per day by end-2026.