NOC nears final phase of Libya’s first exploration bid round

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) says it is nearing the final stages of its long-awaited public exploration bid round, with the deadline for submitting offers and opening technical and commercial envelopes set for February 2026.

In the run-up to the closing date, the NOC’s specialised team has been holding a series of technical and legal meetings with representatives of international energy companies taking part in the round. The discussions aim to address outstanding questions and provide detailed clarifications on project requirements.

The bid round offers 22 exploration blocks — 11 offshore and 11 onshore — in what officials describe as a significant step toward increasing Libya’s crude oil and natural gas reserves. The initiative is expected to help boost national production levels and strengthen the country’s long-term economic stability.

Earlier this week, NOC Chairman Masoud Suleiman reviewed the 2025 progress report with the committee overseeing the bid process. The briefing included outcomes of one-to-one meetings held throughout the year with companies seeking to participate.

In a statement published on the NOC’s official Facebook page, Suleiman underscored the need to uphold the highest standards of transparency and governance as the corporation prepares to announce the results of Libya’s first exploration tender since 2008.

He also highlighted the importance of enhancing the overall investment climate in the oil and gas sector, stressing that creating a stable and supportive working environment is essential to attracting global energy firms and expanding future investment opportunities.