Algiers – Algeria’s national oil company, Sonatrach, has played a pivotal role in a significant oil discovery in Libya during 2025, positioning the find as one of the largest in the Arab world this year. The discovery places Sonatrach alongside major players in the region, including Iraq and Kuwait, according to recent energy sector data.
While Iraq leads the pack with a substantial discovery east of Baghdad, and Kuwait follows with its largest offshore find to date, Sonatrach’s contribution in Libya stands out as a key development for the North African nation’s energy sector.
Sonatrach spearheaded the exploration in Libya’s Ghadames Basin, specifically at well A1-2/65. The estimated reserves from this discovery are substantial, totaling approximately 122 million barrels of oil and 47 billion cubic feet of gas. This impressive yield secures its place as one of the top three largest oil discoveries in the Arab world during 2025.
The Libyan discovery is poised to significantly bolster the country’s efforts to increase its oil production to two million barrels per day by 2030. This development arrives at a crucial time, as Libya prepares to reignite investment in its energy sector through its first exploration licensing round since 2007. Sonatrach’s discovery thus carries strategic importance beyond the sheer volume of reserves identified.
This success underscores Sonatrach’s growing influence in regional energy exploration and its commitment to fostering partnerships that benefit both Algeria and its neighbors. The discovery is expected to have a positive impact on Libya’s economic recovery and its ability to attract further investment in its vital oil and gas sector.
