Trending Now
[/tdc_zone]
LATEST ARTICLES
Zambia Begins Construction Of 60,000 Bpd Crude Oil Refinery In Ndola
Zambia has conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new 60,000 barrels-per-day crude oil refinery in Ndola, estimated at $1.1 billion.
This development marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s energy security and advancing its industrialization agenda.
The project is being executed by Zambia Petrochemical Energy Company Limited (ZPEC), a joint venture between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation (FJXX).
Speaking at the ceremony in Ndola District, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, MP, emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it represents a major milestone in Zambia’s industrial and economic transformation.
“This project sends a clear message that Zambia is open for business and ready to partner with serious investors,” Hon. Mulenga said. He highlighted its potential to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, support downstream industries, and create jobs.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote echoed these sentiments, noting: “Under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, we are attracting private sector investment into Zambia’s energy sector. We are creating an environment that encourages private sector participation, demonstrating our commitment to a privately driven economy.”
The project is expected to create over 2,200 jobs during the construction phase, with many more sustained afterward. Local Zambians are set to benefit from employment opportunities and skills transfer.
Copperbelt Province Minister, Hon. Elisha Matambo, welcomed the initiative, stating: “The provincial administration is committed to supporting such investments and ensuring a conducive environment for their success.”
Industrial Development Corporation CEO Cornwell Muleya added that the project would drive industrialization, create jobs, and benefit local communities through corporate social responsibility programs, transforming Ndola and surrounding areas.
Mr. Huang Tieming, Chairperson of Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation (FJXX) and ZPEC, said: “As a key land-linked country in Southern Africa, Zambia’s industrial, transport, and agricultural sectors continue to expand, driving increased demand for refined petroleum products. Once completed, this refinery will significantly reduce Zambia’s reliance on imported fuels, ensure a stable supply of gasoline and diesel, and create substantial employment opportunities.”
A representative of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Mr. Wang Shen, noted that the refinery reflects the longstanding relationship between Zambia and China.
“It will further strengthen the foundation of Zambia’s industrialization and modernization while increasing the value addition of energy and chemical products,” he said.
Equatorial Guinea: Chevron Takes Final Investment Decision On Aseng Gas Monetization Project
Noble Energy EG Ltd. (a Chevron company) has confirmed that Chevron has taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Aseng Gas Monetization Project in Equatorial Guinea.
The FID follows the execution of relevant agreements and remains subject to final regulatory approvals.
Speaking on the FID, Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director for Chevron Nigeria and the Mid-Africa region, noted that the agreements and decision were made possible by a deal signed in September 2025 with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
The deal confirmed competitive fiscal and tax terms to enable the project.
He explained that the project scope includes developing gas resources in the Aseng Field through existing midstream infrastructure. It also has the potential to sustain the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Equatorial Guinea to global markets into the mid-2030s.
“The project also enables further investments in the Chevron-operated Block O Alen Field, the cross-border Yoyo-Yolanda Field, and exploration activities in the blocks acquired by Chevron in 2024,” he added.
Swartz noted that, with nearly three decades of presence in Equatorial Guinea, Chevron remains committed to supporting the country in developing its energy resources. He added that the company looks forward to working with its partners on the Aseng Project, which is critical to the development of Equatorial Guinea’s energy sector.
Chevron currently operates Block O and Block I and holds a non-operated interest in the Alba PSC and Alba Plant. In 2024, Chevron signed agreements with the Government of Equatorial Guinea to incorporate exploration blocks EG-06 and EG-11 into its portfolio in the country.
Kenya Power Staffer Killed In Line Of Duty
Kenya Power has announced the death of staff member Mr. Shadrack Makembo, who was attacked on Thursday while on duty in the Checheles area near Isiolo Town.
Despite receiving emergency treatment at the scene and later being airlifted to Nairobi for specialized care, Mr. Makembo sadly succumbed to his injuries that evening.
In a statement, the company said preliminary findings indicate suspected fraudulent electricity consumption at the premises where the incident occurred.
Kenya Power strongly condemned the criminal act, stating that it is working closely with investigating authorities to ensure that the suspect, Sheikh Mayo, who remains at large, is apprehended and brought to justice.
“As highlighted in our earlier statement, this is not an isolated incident. Some of our employees have previously been attacked while carrying out their duties. Such criminal acts are unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue,” the company said.
Kenya Power said it remains unwavering in its commitment to the safety and welfare of its employees and will continue to strengthen measures to protect them. It urged customers and the public to support its workforce as they serve communities across the country.
The company extended its deepest condolences to Mr. Makembo’s family, friends, and colleagues, and said it continues to stand with them during this difficult time.
Uganda Plunged Into Darkness After Sudden Grid Failure
Uganda was plunged into darkness on Sunday after the country’s transmission grid developed a technical fault.
Reports indicate that the problem originated at the Lugogo substation, triggering safety systems across the national grid.
In a statement issued on April 12, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) confirmed that technical teams had been deployed to restore power as quickly as possible, adding that investigations into the cause of the outage are ongoing.
“Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) informs the general public that a nationwide power outage occurred on April 12, 2026, at 8:53 AM.
“Our technical teams have commenced efforts to restore the national grid in the shortest time possible and are investigating the cause of the incident,” the statement read.
UETCL urged the public and production facilities to switch off power sources during the blackout to prevent damage and ensure safety during restoration.
The company also apologized for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their patience.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the public’s patience during the restoration process,” it added.
The outage comes amid an ongoing UETCL maintenance programme aimed at ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
According to the company, such efforts include equipment servicing, hardware and software upgrades, and troubleshooting system issues—activities that can sometimes result in temporary outages but are necessary for the long-term efficiency and safety of the electricity network.
Ghana: Ministers Meet Ahead Of Fuel Levy Suspension Set For April 16
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, on Friday hosted Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, at the Ministry to deliberate on which levies and margins on petroleum products should be suspended following the President’s directive issued on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah; Chief Director of the Ministry, Solomon Adjetey Sowah; Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq.; and Managing Director of BOSTEnergies, Mr. Afetsi Awoonor.
The suspension of selected levies and margins is expected to take effect from April 16, marking the beginning of the second pricing window for the month.
It remains unclear which specific levies and margins the two ministries have agreed to suspend.
However, this portal understands that the Special Petroleum Tax and the BOST margin may be among those under consideration.
Regarding the recently introduced Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Recovery Levy—which imposes GHS1 on petroleum products—it is unlikely that the ministers agreed to suspend it due to its critical role in ensuring fuel security for thermal power generation.
More likely, the ministers may opt to reduce the levy rather than suspend it entirely.
In a Facebook post, Dr. Jinapor said the directive to suspend selected levies and margins underscores the government’s continued commitment to prioritising the welfare and economic well-being of the people of Ghana.
Nigeria: Fuel Price Comparison Ignites Tinubu–Atiku Row
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged Nigerians to appreciate the availability of fuel despite rising costs, saying they are better off than citizens in Kenya and other African nations grappling with shortages and high prices.
According to the President, although fuel prices are biting harder, Nigerians are still in a relatively better position and should be grateful.
“Let’s just thank God together that you are better off listening to them in Kenya and other African countries—what they are going through,” Tinubu said while inaugurating projects executed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Fuel prices have climbed to about ₦1,300 per litre, largely driven by the US–Israel–Iran tensions, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and rattled global oil markets.
The President said: “The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable.”
He added: “This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with finance, economic planning, and budgeting, and see what we can do to ease the burden.”
Tinubu attributed the hardship partly to global forces beyond Nigeria’s control, describing it as fallout from “the challenge of a war we didn’t call for, but the effects of an interrelated world that we share.”
However, the President’s comments have drawn criticism from sections of Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Reacting, Atiku said the comparison was misplaced and failed to reflect the economic realities faced by Nigerians.
“It is both curious and troubling that the President would isolate fuel prices as a metric of economic comfort while ignoring far more critical indicators such as purchasing power, income levels, and cost of living.
“This selective reasoning betrays either a fundamental misunderstanding of economic realities or a deliberate attempt to deflect from policy failures.”
He added that while petrol prices in Nigeria may appear lower than in countries like Kenya or South Africa, such comparisons collapse when viewed against broader economic realities.
“Nigeria today is more expensive to live in than Kenya, with the average cost of living significantly higher despite lower fuel prices,” Atiku said in a statement issued in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku further pointed to declining earning power among Nigerians, contrasting it with income levels in Kenya.
“More alarming is the collapse in earning power. Kenya’s GDP per capita is nearly double that of Nigeria, and a minimum wage earner in Nairobi takes home the equivalent of about ₦170,000—more than twice Nigeria’s ₦70,000.
“In effect, while a Kenyan earns more and pays more, a Nigerian earns far less and is forced to survive under crushing economic pressure. This is the reality the President chose to ignore.”
The former Vice President also criticised Nigeria’s wage structure, saying it fails to reflect regional economic disparities.
He stressed that affordability goes beyond pricing, warning that current economic conditions have worsened living standards.
“The implication is clear: affordability is not defined by price alone, but by the relationship between income and expenditure. On this measure, Nigerians have never had it worse.
“It is, therefore, deeply disappointing that at a time when citizens expect empathy, clarity, and decisive leadership, the President has chosen the path of statistical convenience.”
Kenya Power Hosts Ghana’s PURC Delegation
Kenya Power on Wednesday hosted a six-member delegation from Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the economic regulator for electricity and water utilities, for a high-level exchange focused on the future of energy and electric mobility in Africa.
The PURC delegation’s visit provided a valuable platform to benchmark regulatory and tariff frameworks, while also enabling the sharing of practical insights drawn from Kenya’s evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
Discussions covered EV grid integration, infrastructure planning, data-driven energy management, and the policy considerations necessary to scale adoption sustainably.
This engagement underscores the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in shaping Africa’s clean energy future.
By exchanging knowledge and aligning approaches, both Kenya and Ghana are taking meaningful steps toward building resilient, efficient, and low-carbon transport systems that will define the continent’s next phase of growth.
As Kenya accelerates its transition toward sustainable transport, Kenya Power is playing a central role in enabling the growth of the EV ecosystem.
This includes advancing EV-friendly tariff structures, strengthening grid readiness to support increased electricity demand, investing in distribution network planning, and deploying smart metering and billing solutions tailored to EV users.
The utility is also actively supporting the development and management of EV fleets, while collaborating with public- and private-sector partners to expand charging infrastructure across the country.
Ghana: CBOD Cautions OSP Against Premature Statements In Petroleum Tax Probe As Facebook Post Is Deleted
The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has cautioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against the hasty release of inaccurate information to the media regarding its ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion by some players in the downstream petroleum sector.
The caution follows a statement issued by the OSP on April 7, in which it claimed to have conducted a high-profile, court-approved raid on five fuel depots and their associated Bulk Distribution Company (BDC) facilities.
The move was described as a decisive step against suspected petroleum import irregularities in Ghana.
According to the OSP, the coordinated searches form part of an ongoing probe into the alleged under-declaration of petroleum imports, deliberate misrepresentation of fuel types during depot transfers, and systemic tax evasion.
Early indications from the operation suggested that some BDCs may have colluded with officials from the National Petroleum Authority, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the National Security Secretariat to facilitate illicit financial transactions.
The OSP further indicated that Platon Oil & Gas, Sentuo Oil, Chase Petroleum Gh. Ltd, Akwaaba Oil, and Sahara Oil & Gas Ltd are under investigation.
In a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, the Chamber clarified that issues relating to petroleum taxes, as currently discussed in the public domain, are generally incidental to the operations of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), not refineries, petroleum terminals, or BDCs.
The Chamber underscored the importance of measured and restrained public commentary to safeguard the reputation and operations of the companies involved.
“It is pertinent to note that these companies maintain extensive trading and financial relationships, both locally and internationally. Accordingly, any reputational damage at this stage may have far-reaching consequences, which may not be easily reversed—particularly if subsequent investigations clarify the position of the entities concerned,” the statement said.
The Chamber called on all members and Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs) who are subjects of the investigation to fully cooperate with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
“We urge all stakeholders and the public to allow due process to take its course and to avoid premature conclusions that could have unintended consequences for businesses and the broader industry,” it added.
CBOD reaffirmed its commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in the downstream petroleum sector.
“We stand ready to assist the Office of the Special Prosecutor and other law enforcement agencies in their investigations and in enhancing understanding of industry operations,” the statement concluded.
Checks by this portal indicate that the OSP has since removed the statement from its Facebook page.
Zambia: ERB Sanctions 29 Oil Companies For Fuel Contamination And Other Breaches Of Licence Conditions
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has taken enforcement action against twenty-nine (29) companies for breaching licence conditions and failing to meet their statutory obligations.
The actions follow comprehensive compliance audits and regulatory oversight aimed at ensuring adherence to the operational standards prescribed under the Energy Regulation Act.
In a statement signed by Namukolo Kasumpa (Mrs.), Manager for Public Relations at ERB, it was stated that Uno Energies Zambia Limited was fined K180,000 for fuel contamination and failure to conduct mandatory quality checks. ZESCO Limited was fined K100,000 for failure to establish and maintain appropriate safety systems and standards.
Harvest Group of Companies Limited was fined K60,000 each for construction-related violations at its Tokyo Way and Bulwe Road sites. Additionally, Sany International (Zambia) Industrial Limited was fined K60,000 for constructing an electricity generation facility without the required construction permit.
Eight (8) companies were each issued formal warnings for failure to comply with an ERB directive dated 27th February 2025, which required the submission of a self-audit report within the prescribed timeframe. These companies are: Chingases Company Limited, Exclusive Brands Africa, Oryx Energies (Z) Limited, Falcon Gas (Z) Limited, Lake Gas (Z) Limited, Gastec Trading & Supply Limited, Rubis Energy (Z) Limited, and Minegases Company (Z) Limited.
Furthermore, fifteen (15) companies settled outstanding statutory fees, including Licence Fees, Strategic Reserve Fund Fees, and Fuel Marking Fees, amounting to K366,507.25, following debt collection enforcement measures. The companies involved are:
- JMKY Trading and Transport Limited (K89,229.81)
- Douse Petroleum Limited (K77,378.97)
- Hesouth Technology Services Limited (K51,279.12)
- G.U.D Filters Zambia Limited (K30,288.35)
- Luapula Oils Limited (K26,526.88)
- RGPM Chemicals (Zambia) Limited (K21,534.02)
- Bridge Energy Limited (K18,257.27)
- Mpishi Energy Limited (K14,640.00)
- Finecop Enterprises Limited (K13,279.65)
- Oil Save Investment Limited (K8,183.60)
- Sanrup Investment Limited (K6,833.40)
- Martch Enterprise Limited (K3,424.57)
- Nat-Group Energy Solutions Limited (K2,553.38)
- Widenenergy Africa Limited (K1,849.50)
- Yougo Limited (K1,227.73)
Hormuz Still Closed Despite Truce, 230 Loaded Oil Vessels Waiting To Sail, Says ADNOC CEO
Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Al Jaber, said on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed despite a ceasefire, with Iranian restrictions still blocking normal energy exports.
According to a report by Anadolu, citing his post on LinkedIn, around 230 loaded oil vessels are waiting to sail.
Al Jaber stated that access to the waterway was being restricted and conditioned, adding that “conditional passage is not passage.” He emphasized that the strait must be reopened “fully, unconditionally, and without restriction.”
According to him, approximately 230 vessels loaded with oil are ready to sail, and ADNOC has already loaded cargoes. He also noted that the company would expand production within the limits imposed by war-related damage to its infrastructure and the need to ensure staff safety.
“Markets remain at a critical crossroads. The final cargoes that transited the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict are now arriving at their destinations. This is where the paper-traded markets are meeting physical reality, and the 40-day gap in global energy flows is truly exposed,” he added.
His remarks came as Iran announced alternative entry and exit routes for ships transiting the strait, saying the measures were aimed at reducing the risk of collisions with potential sea mines in the main shipping zone. Iranian media and officials said vessels should use designated corridors for maritime safety.
Shipping firms, however, have remained cautious despite the US-Iran ceasefire announced earlier this week.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, making any prolonged disruption a major risk for energy markets, particularly in Asia, which Al Jaber noted receives most cargoes moving through the corridor.
Ghana: Mahama Orders Temporary Suspension Of Fuel Levies Amid Rising Fuel Prices
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has directed the country’s Ministers of Finance and Energy and Green Transition to temporarily remove certain levies and margins on petroleum products to cushion Ghanaians from the impact of rising fuel prices, which have been triggered by global oil supply disruptions due to the US-Israel war on Iran.
The suspension of the taxes is expected to last for at least four weeks.
It is not yet clear which specific taxes will be suspended, but Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the details of the suspension would be announced before the next pricing window on April 16.
The President gave the directive at an emergency Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 9, after returning from an official trip to France.
Fuel prices have escalated, with petrol currently selling for more than GHS13 per litre, while diesel is selling for more than GHS17 per litre, as a result of the Middle East tensions.
This has led to calls from various sections of the public, including industry watchers, for government intervention.
According to the directive, the suspension will be implemented for an initial period of four weeks, after which it will be reviewed and further decisions will be made based on prevailing conditions.
As part of broader efforts to ease the burden on commuters, the Minister for Transport has also been instructed to expedite the deployment of approximately 100 Metro Mass Transit buses. The President further directed that fares on these buses be reduced to provide affordable transport options for the public.
Additionally, President Mahama reminded ministers and senior government appointees to strictly adhere to the existing ban on fuel allowances, as part of efforts to reduce public expenditure during this period.
The measures form part of a coordinated government response aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel costs on households and businesses across the country.
Madagascar Declares Two-Week Nationwide State Of Energy Emergency Amid Severe Fuel Shortages
Madagascar has declared a two-week nationwide state of energy emergency amid severe fuel shortages caused by the US and Israel’s war in Iran, BBC has reported.
The presidency stated that the decision was made following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, amid concerns that the situation could lead to public disorder.
The Indian Ocean island, which relies heavily on oil to produce much of its electricity, is dependent on fuel imports from the Middle East. Supplies are likely to be disrupted for some time despite the two-week ceasefire announced overnight.
Last year, persistent power and water shortages in Madagascar led to youth-led protests, which escalated into broader political unrest and resulted in a military takeover.
It is unclear exactly what measures the government intends to implement, but it has stated that it now has the authority to stabilize the country’s power sector, mitigate further disruptions, manage consumption, and ensure the continuity of public services.
So far, fuel prices have not increased since the crisis began, though shortages have been reported, with drivers queuing for hours.
News of the state of emergency led to panic buying at some petrol stations on Wednesday, with some stations reportedly rationing how much each customer can buy, according to local media.
Most of Madagascar’s oil comes from Oman, south of the Strait of Hormuz — the key global energy shipping route that has been disrupted by the war that began on February 28.
Nonetheless, the price of oil remains considerably higher than before the conflict, and analysts say it could take months or even years to repair the damage done to supply capacity in the region.
Madagascar is among several African countries taking urgent action to stem the effects of these disruptions. Some have resorted to raising or subsidizing fuel prices and rationing electricity.
The Gambia has just ordered the immediate suspension of all non-essential official travel by government officials, days after Senegal implemented a similar move.
Zambia recently suspended taxes on petrol and diesel imports, while Botswana scrapped fuel levies for six months to cushion consumers from price rises.
Kenya: EPRA Deploys Monitoring Teams To Inspect Fuel Stocks Nationwide
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has deployed Surveillance and Enforcement teams to inspect fuel stocks at various stations nationwide.
The teams have so far conducted inspections at petrol stations in Nairobi and Machakos counties to check for compliance and confirm fuel availability.
“While most stations had fuel, a few were out of stock but indicated they were awaiting resupply,” EPRA said.
According to EPRA, some depots are currently experiencing delays due to long queues, as stations rush to replenish their stocks following panic buying at some locations.
“No station reported a lack of fuel supply at the depots.”
The authority urged Kenyans to remain calm, assuring that there is sufficient fuel supply in the country and to avoid panic buying.
EPRA also warned petroleum dealers that hoarding is an offence punishable by law upon conviction.
“We remind petroleum dealers that hoarding is an offence under Section 99(1)(k) of the Petroleum Act Cap 308, and, upon conviction, they shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million Kenya Shillings, or imprisonment for a term of not less than one year, or both.
Further, dispensing stations charging wholesale and retail prices higher than the recommended price is also an offence under Section 99(1)(n) of the Petroleum Act, and, upon conviction, they shall be liable to a fine of not less than ten million Kenya Shillings, or imprisonment for a term of not less than five years, or both.”
Libya’s National Oil Company Reports Three New Oil And Gas Discoveries
Libya’s National Oil Corporation has announced a trio of new hydrocarbon discoveries with Eni, Repsol, and Sonatrach, in a sign that exploration activity is gaining traction again across some of the country’s most important producing regions.
The highest-profile result came offshore western Libya, where NOC and Eni North Africa drilled the J1-4/16 exploration well in Block D and confirmed a new gas discovery around 95 kilometers from shore.
The well reached a total depth of 10,458 feet, with tests on the Metlawi reservoir delivering 14 million cubic feet per day in one test and 24 MMcf/d in a second test under a wider choke.
The discovery also marks the completion of the ninth and final contractual exploration obligation under Contract 4/16, originally signed in June 2008.
Onshore, NOC and Repsol Libya Branch reported a new oil discovery in Contract Area 131/130 in the Murzuq Basin, around 800 kilometers south of Tripoli.
The J1-4/130 exploratory well was drilled to 4,325 feet and is producing an average of 763 barrels per day from the Mummiyat Formation.
The well is the fifth completed under the eight-well commitment set out in the partners’ 2008 Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement.
A third announcement came from the Ghadames Basin, where NOC and Sonatrach’s Libyan unit SIPEX disclosed a combined oil and gas discovery near the Wafa field.
The A1-69/02 exploration well, drilled to 8,440 feet, is flowing 13 million cubic feet of gas per day alongside 327 barrels per day of condensate from the Awynat Wanin and Awyn Kaza formations. That well is the sixth drilled out of eight planned under the EPSA signed in May 2008.
The immediate takeaway is that Libya is seeing exploration wins across multiple basins and operators, with both greenfield potential and follow-up drilling still delivering commercial volumes.
Offshore gas is particularly significant because Libya is looking to strengthen supply to its domestic market while maintaining its position as a Mediterranean energy supplier.
New gas volumes also fit a broader regional trend in North Africa, where producers are prioritizing faster-cycle gas developments amid persistent demand from Europe and tighter regional energy balances.
The Murzuq and Ghadames finds matter for a different reason. They reinforce the continued prospectivity of Libya’s established onshore basins, where even relatively modest wells can support near-term production growth if infrastructure and security conditions allow.
The Sonatrach discovery’s proximity to Wafa could prove especially relevant if existing regional infrastructure offers a path to commercialization.
Together, the three announcements suggest that long-dormant contractual acreage awarded in the late 2000s is still yielding results, even after years of political fragmentation and stop-start investment. For Libya, that is an encouraging signal as it tries to attract more upstream capital and arrest output volatility.