Minister of Energy Cesar Abi Khalil announced on Friday that the Ministry of Energy and the Petroleum Authority have set two goals to launch the round of license which were achieved.
Abi Khalil’s comments were made during a press conference that he held to discuss the oil dossier saying: “I have called upon the companies to negotiate the technical offers.”
“2018 will be a preparatory period before the drilling begins in 2019,” added Abi Khalil.
He also stressed the importance of granting these licenses, saying that they benefit the Lebanese economy “since these petroleum activities will generate new job opportunities, the Lebanese suppliers will be favored, as well as providing a local source for energy with a less cost.”
Abi Khalil also said: “All our energy factories except the ones of Zouk and Jiyyeh can work with gas.”
He clarified that “negotiations with the companies were fierce; we have issued a sample contract that will be signed with the companies.”