Eni has confirmed two fresh gas discoveries offshore Libya, marking the outcome of an exploration campaign launched in recent months. The work led to the identification and drilling of two neighboring geological structures, Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS 2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS 3), through the B2-16/4 and C1-16/4 wells. These gas discoveries are located roughly 85 kilometers from the coast, in water depths of about 650 feet, and approximately 16 kilometers south of the Bahr Essalam gas field. Both wells encountered gas-bearing intervals within the Metlaoui Formation, which is recognized as the main productive reservoir in the area.
The company stated that data gathered during drilling point to a reservoir of high quality, with strong productive potential. This has already been validated through well testing carried out on the first well. Early volumetric assessments indicate that the combined BESS 2 and BESS 3 structures hold more than 1 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas in place. The gas discoveries offshore Libya benefit from their proximity to the Bahr Essalam field, the country’s largest offshore development, which has been in operation since 2005. Eni noted that this closeness will allow for accelerated development by connecting the new finds to existing offshore infrastructure through tie-backs.
Production from the newly identified resources is expected to serve both domestic and export markets. The gas will be directed to Libya’s internal supply network while also being exported to Italy, reinforcing the strategic importance of gas discoveries offshore Libya for regional energy flows. The announcement follows another recent upstream milestone, coming just a month after Eni reported a gas and condensate discovery offshore Côte d’Ivoire.
Eni’s longstanding presence in Libya dates back to 1959, and it continues to operate as the leading international energy company in the country. In 2025, its equity production stood at approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company is also advancing three development projects, with two expected to come on stream in 2026, further strengthening its operational footprint in the region.
