LE BRIEF

Libya: Orlen prepares a third exploration well in the Murzuq Basin

LE BRIEF • 2026-11-09

The Polish group is targeting a new well in November following a technical meeting with the National Oil Corporation. The campaign extends the restart process begun after force majeure was lifted in 2024.

Orlen is preparing a third exploration well in southwestern Libya’s Murzuq Basin, with drilling envisaged in November. The programme marks another step in the Polish energy group’s resumption of work on its Libyan acreage. The National Oil Corporation confirmed the preparations following a technical meeting held on 2 November in Tripoli. Discussions covered completed studies, outstanding operations and proposed priorities for the 2027 work programme and budget. Returning to previously identified gas potential Orlen operates blocks 1 and 2 of Area 113, covering approximately 5,500 square kilometres. Two earlier wells identified natural gas in 2013 and 2014. Those results provide geological indications without determining a new well’s performance. The group lifted force majeure on its Libyan operations in April 2024. That decision enabled a gradual return to work under commitments covering several new exploration wells over three years. From preparation to commercial assessment A drilling schedule remains dependent on equipment mobilisation, logistics and execution conditions. Preparing a well therefore does not mean drilling has started or that another discovery is assured. The programme’s value will be measured through technical results and then development opportunities. Even where hydrocarbons are present, recoverable volumes, costs and infrastructure access determine profi...