The Minister of Oil and Gas in the Government of National Unity, Mohamed Aoun, spoke exclusively to our source regarding the National Oil Corporation’s program for announcing the launch of the general exploration bid round on March 3, 2025.
Aoun stated: “As the legitimate Minister of Oil and Gas, since assuming office on March 15, 2021, I have requested the NOC president at the time to initiate an exploration round to assess the remaining onshore and offshore resources of Libya. I also made the same request to the president appointed in July 2022, urging the swift development of oil and gas discoveries. However, they procrastinated, and now the country is in need of gas while they claim there will be a shortage in gas supplies.”
He added: “For reference, the Ministry of Oil submitted a proposal to develop the Hamada Field (Block MN7A) and Arous Al Bahr. This proposal was unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers in April 2022, yet the decision has not been implemented to this day, indicating over three years of stalling.”
Aoun further stated: “With the announcement of the exploration round now, and following the issuance of House of Representatives Decision No. 15 of 2023, this announcement is considered a violation of that decision. Foreign partners must understand that violating legislation and failing to implement judicial rulings will hold them accountable sooner or later. They have acknowledged their responsibilities and should always be fully aware of the country’s laws and regulations.”
He continued: “The problem is that they neither respect expertise nor abide by their own decisions, nor do they adhere to legislative laws. The sector is being destroyed by incompetence, lack of capability, inefficiency, and unworthiness. The situation will not improve amidst ignorance and corruption, as billions continue to be spent without any return.”
