Gabon’s new oil regime threatened by power vacuum
The west African Opec member has moved fast to revise offshore licencing terms as it makes more blocks available
Gabon has unveiled a new licensing round, along with a set of eye-catching contract terms designed to lure back explorers that largely shunned the country's offshore in the era of low oil prices. But the timing of a new hydrocarbons code that would establish those terms could be delayed by parliamentary hurdles and a presidential power vacuum. The government needs the licensing round, which covers 23 deepwater and 11 shallow water blocks, to be a success if the country is to have a chance of offsetting production declines from existing fields. But it has yet to be presented to parliament and President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been in Saudi Arabia, recovering from an undisclosed illness. The
Also in this section
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination
11 February 2026
Maritime leaders at LNG2026 warned of the dangers of over-regulation on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation
10 February 2026
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation
