Joint Oil opens new exploration round in Libya-Tunisia joint zone

The Joint Exploration, Exploitation and Petroleum Services Company between Libya and Tunisia (Joint Oil) is opening a new bidding round on Monday for exploration in the oil block jointly shared by the two countries, along with the development of the offshore Zarat oil and gas discovery.

The round will run until December 31, with January 8, 2027 set as the deadline for submitting bids. Winning companies are expected to be announced in February 2027, with licenses expected to be formally awarded by April 30, 2027.

The area covers around 3,000 square kilometers, with water depths ranging between 80 and 120 meters. Approximately 6,500 kilometers of 2D seismic survey data and 1,900 kilometers of 3D seismic data are available.

The round also includes the development of the Zarat oil and gas discovery as a shared resource between Libya and Tunisia through development, production and operating agreements.

The area is located in the Gabes-Tripoli Basin, close to several oil fields and facilities in both countries, including Libya’s Bouri, Al-Jurf and Bahr Essalam fields, as well as Tunisia’s Hasdrubal, Ashtart, Miskar and Didon fields, allowing investors to benefit from existing infrastructure and export routes.

Joint Oil has managed hydrocarbon resources in the joint offshore zone between Libya and Tunisia since 1988.