Eni announced that its ongoing exploration campaign offshore Libya has uncovered two new gas deposits estimated to total in excess of 1 trillion cubic feet. The company said the discoveries were made in the Metlaoui formation, identified as the primary productive reservoir across the area of the Mediterranean Sea where the wells were drilled.
The newly drilled wells, named Bahr Essalam South 2 and Bahr Essalam South 3, lie approximately 85 kilometers offshore and about 16 kilometers south of the established Bahr Essalam field. Well tests reportedly confirmed productive capacity within what Eni characterized as a high-quality reservoir.
Libya’s state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC) provided an output estimate for the discoveries, saying they are expected to contribute around 130 million cubic feet of gas per day. The NOC added that the supply would be directed to the Libyan domestic market and exported to Italy, and that the additional volumes would support the corporation’s ability to meet both local and global market needs while addressing supply shortages.
The proximity of the new wells to the Bahr Essalam field - the largest offshore field in Libya, in operation since 2005 - was highlighted as a key operational advantage. That closeness should permit a rapid tie-back to existing offshore facilities, shortening the timeframe between discovery and production.
Eni has maintained a presence in Libya since 1959 and the company described the latest finds as part of its continuing expansion of gas production capacity in the Mediterranean region, where it operates across multiple countries.
Context and operational implications
The discoveries are reported to be in a primary reservoir for the area and have returned productive well test results, which supports the technical case for commercial development and fast integration with nearby infrastructure. According to statements from the NOC, the expected daily production volume will serve both domestic consumption and export commitments.
What remains limited in available information
- The announcement provides estimates of total gas in place and an expected daily production contribution, but it does not include a development timeline or capital expenditure details.
- No specific production startup date or contract arrangements for exports to Italy were disclosed in the information provided.