Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (right, background) and Julian Pouget (left, background), president of Total Energies MENA region, attend the signing of the deal
Gas deal keeps Lebanon’s offshore hopes alive
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
Despite persistent political turbulence and chronic economic crises, there is tentative optimism in Beirut that Lebanon’s faltering hydrocarbons sector may yet have life in it. An agreement announced on 9 January with the Lebanese government commits TotalEnergies, as operator—along with partners Italy’s Eni and state-owned QatarEnergy—to a 1,200km² 3D seismic survey of Lebanon’s Block 8 to further assess the area’s exploration potential. This could pave the way for the drilling of an exploration well in a second phase. The government is, meanwhile, looking to maintain the momentum with the launch of a fourth offshore licensing round, with the Lebanon Petroleum Administration working with the
Also in this section
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
21 January 2026
Petroleum Economist takes a look at the critical developments that look set to govern the course of the market for this year
