Israel's offshore in search of regulatory shake-up
The country's latest licensing round failed to lure IOCs to its upstream
Twice delayed, Israel's offshore licensing round for 24 blocks closed on 15 November. It was a disappointment: the only submissions were from Greece's Energean, and a consortium of four large Indian corporations: ONGC Videsh, Bharat PetroResources, Indian Oil and Oil India. It's hard for Israel to put a brave face on it. This is the first bidding round since the granting of offshore licenses was suspended four years ago. The disheartening reality Israel has to face is that ever since the its first domestic, offshore gas discovery in 2000, the country has struggled to attract and keep investment from international oil companies. The Ministry of Energy has promised another licensing round in 2
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
