Joint Oil Extends Zarat Offshore Bid Deadline
The Libyan-Tunisian venture has pushed back the closing date for the Zarat block bidding round to December 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Joint Oil has officially extended the deadline for the Zarat offshore exploration block bid round to December 31, 2026. Bidders are now required to submit their proposals for the 3,000-square-kilometer area by January 8, 2027.
Why it matters
The extension provides additional time for interested energy firms to evaluate the offshore block located between Tunisia and Libya. The initiative remains a focal point for regional exploration and development efforts.
The Joint Oil Block encompasses 3,000 square kilometers of offshore territory. Interested firms must manage their application timelines against the new December 31, 2026, closing date.
The players
Joint Oil
Joint Oil is a Libyan-Tunisian joint venture responsible for the management and exploration of the designated offshore block.
Moyes & Co.
Moyes & Co. is an advisory firm assisting the joint venture with the technical and commercial aspects of the bid round.
The details
Joint Oil, a collaborative venture between Libya and Tunisia, is working with the adviser Moyes & Co. to manage the process. The organization will present details regarding the bid round on November 12 at an upcoming Africa conference in London.
Timeline
September 7, 2026: The bid round opened.
December 31, 2026: The bid round closes.
January 8, 2027: Submission deadline for bids.
February 26, 2027: Notification of successful bidders.
April 30, 2027: Expected date for formal awards.
Market Landscape
This timeline adjustment follows the pattern set by the Joint Oil Block offshore development initiative to ensure robust industry participation. The move reflects broader efforts to consolidate interest in regional oil and gas assets amid fluctuating global energy demands.
For energy firms and industry stakeholders, this extension provides more time to conduct due diligence and secure data room access. The shift ensures that prospective applicants have adequate window to finalize technical proposals before the January 2027 deadline.
The takeaway
Interested parties should utilize the extra months to review site data and prepare comprehensive exploration strategies. Proactive engagement with the adviser before the London conference may provide a competitive edge in the bidding process.
What happens next
The bid round will be presented on November 12, 2026, at an Africa conference in London. Successful bidders are expected to be notified on February 26, 2027, with formal contract awards scheduled for April 30, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing developments in the Oil and Gas sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oil & Gas Middle East.
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