Oil India, IOC Consortium Finds New Oil, Gas Reserves In Libya’s Ghadames Basin

Last Updated:April 27, 2026, 18:44 IST

Spanning nearly 6,630 square kilometres, the block is managed by SIPEX and includes a planned programme to drill eight exploratory wells.

After confirmatory testing, Libya’s National Oil Corporation has officially recognised it as the fifth discovery in the block

Oil India Limited has announced a fresh oil and gas discovery in Libya, marking a significant step in its international exploration programme. The find has been made in the onshore Block Area 95/96, located in the hydrocarbon-rich Ghadames Basin in south-western Libya.

The company holds a 25 per cent participating interest in the block as part of an Indian consortium that also includes Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Covering around 6,630 square kilometres, the block is operated by SIPEX and has a planned drilling programme of eight exploratory wells.

Earlier exploration in the block had already shown strong promise. Of the five wells drilled between 2012 and 2014, four had resulted in oil and gas discoveries. Following the resumption of drilling activities, the latest well has added to this success.

The sixth well, designated A1-96/02, has led to a new hydrocarbon discovery. After confirmatory testing, Libya’s National Oil Corporation has officially recognised it as the fifth discovery in the block, highlighting the region’s continued exploration potential.

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Further appraisal work will now be carried out to assess the size and commercial viability of the reserves. The discovery strengthens Oil India’s overseas portfolio and aligns with its broader strategy to expand its global energy footprint while supporting long-term energy security through international partnerships.

The discovery comes at a time when India is working to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on a limited set of suppliers. With rising energy demand and global uncertainties affecting supply chains, overseas exploration projects such as this are seen as crucial for strengthening the country’s long-term energy security.

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