Libya issues oil and gas exploration licenses to five companies

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　Xinhua News Agency, Tunis, February 13, 2026. Tripoli: Libya’s National Oil Company announced at a press conference held in Tripoli on the 11th that five oil companies from Spain, Nigeria, Italy and other countries have been granted rights to explore for oil and gas in five areas of Libya. 　　Libya’s **Oil Company stated that the exploration blocks involved include those located on land and offshore in the Sirte Basin, as well as those in the Murzuq Basin. 　　Masoud Suleiman of Libya’s **Oil Company** said that Libya will resume public bidding for oil and gas exploration, which had been suspended for 17 years, at the beginning of 2025. A total of 20 blocks are involved, including 9 offshore blocks and 11 onshore blocks. 　　Libya is one of the major oil-producing countries in Africa and a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Oil and gas exports are Libya’s main source of income. For years, ongoing wars and divisions have severely affected the country’s oil production and exports.