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