Beirut— Lebanon signed a new agreement to explore offshore gas in Block 8 with TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and Italy’s Eni, during a ceremony held at the Grand Serail and attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Lebanon by Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi. The companies were represented by senior officials from the three firms, in the presence of the Lebanese Petroleum Administration (LPA), foreign diplomats, and government representatives.

The deal allows the companies to continue exploration work in Block 8, one of Lebanon’s offshore areas in the Mediterranean.

Speaking after the signing, Minister Saddi said the agreement shows continued confidence by international companies in Lebanon’s offshore energy potential, despite economic and political challenges.

He stressed the importance of completing the seismic survey quickly to better understand the geology of Block 8 and assess its potential.

Minister Saddi also announced that the Ministry of Energy and Water, in coordination with the Petroleum Administration, is preparing to launch Lebanon’s fourth offshore licensing round, with revised conditions aimed at encouraging more companies to invest.

According to LPA President Gaby Daaboul, the companies will conduct a survey covering about 1,200 square kilometers.

This survey will help identify potential oil and gas reserves and determine whether drilling an exploration well is feasible at a later stage.

Daaboul said the agreement builds on earlier offshore efforts, including drilling activities carried out in Block 9 in 2023.

He added that Lebanon is working to update its licensing rules to attract more international energy companies and expand exploration across open offshore blocks.

The agreement is part of Lebanon’s broader efforts to develop its offshore energy sector and support long-term economic recovery.