Eni has made two new gas discoveries in Libya, Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS 2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS 3), following an exploration campaign launched in recent months (Eni's press release, 16/03/2026).
“Preliminary volumetric estimates indicate that the BESS 2 and BESS 3 structures jointly contain more than 1 Tcf (28 bcm) of gas in place. Their proximity to the Bahr Essalam field, the largest offshore field in the country, in operation since 2005, will enable rapid development through tie-back to existing offshore facilities. The gas produced will be supplied to the Libyan domestic market and for export to Italy”, according to the company’s press release.
This marks the third discovery in Africa in less than a month for Eni:
- In February 2026, Eni announced the Calao South discovery, the second largest in Côte d'Ivoire, with estimated volumes of up to 5 Tcf (141.5 bcm) and 450 mbl of condensate (or approximately 1.4 Gbl of oil) (KEI, 20/02/2026).
- Also in February 2026, Eni, alongside UK-based BP, discovered oil in the Algaita-01 exploration well in Block 15/06 offshore Angola, with an initial estimate of approximately 500 mbl (KEI, 17/03/2026).
Eni recorded an equity production in Libya of approximately 162 kboe/d in 2025 and currently has three development projects under execution, two of which are scheduled to come online in 2026.