Gabon's licensing round in limbo
Bidders are awaiting clarification on implementation of a new hydrocarbons code
Gabon has postponed the closing date for its current offshore licensing round twice since its launch, as uncertainty surrounds the introduction of a proposed new hydrocarbons code-and the health of the country's president, who has been recuperating abroad from a stroke. The round, which covers 34 deep and ultra-deep-water blocks, was launched last November, with a closing deadline set for April. However, this was first pushed back to June and then 30 September. Both the licensing round and the hydrocarbons code were detailed at last year's Africa Oil Week in Cape Town. The revised code was welcomed by international oil companies (IOCs) because its terms were considerably more favourable to t
Also in this section
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
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally
