Morocco oil and gas exploration is gaining momentum as around ten companies are currently searching for hydrocarbon resources across the country, including Moroccan investors participating in the sector for the first time, according to Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali.<\/p>\n
Speaking before parliament, Benali said Morocco continues to strengthen efforts to improve energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels. She noted that exploration activity is taking place under 53 licenses and permits, including 40 offshore licenses, nine onshore licenses, and four exploitation concessions.<\/p>\n
The projects are spread across multiple regions as authorities continue evaluating the country\u2019s oil and gas potential. Benali described Morocco\u2019s regulatory framework for hydrocarbon exploration as highly competitive and attractive to investors. She said the sector requires significant financial commitments and involves considerable risk, making supportive regulations essential for encouraging investment.<\/p>\n
Recent exploration campaigns have resulted in natural gas discoveries in the Gharb Basin, Essaouira, Tendrara, and offshore Larache. While these findings demonstrate resource potential, the minister said they remain below the scale required to establish Morocco as a major oil and gas producer.<\/p>\n
Morocco has long depended on imported fossil fuels to meet domestic energy demand. The government is pursuing a strategy that combines the expansion of renewable energy with the development of domestic natural gas resources. Officials view natural gas as a practical transition fuel that can strengthen energy security while supporting industrial competitiveness.<\/p>\n
Several projects, particularly in Tendrara and the Gharb Basin, have attracted attention as Morocco seeks to increase local gas production. Benali also announced an extensive reform of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, known as ONHYM, aimed at improving operational efficiency and accelerating exploration activities.<\/p>\n
She added that the arrival of Moroccan capital in the exploration sector could support future investment and increase local participation in strategic energy projects.<\/p>\n
Beyond exploration, Benali said Morocco has maintained uninterrupted energy supplies despite volatility in global markets during the past five years. According to the minister, the country did not experience fuel supply disruptions even during periods of significant international price fluctuations.<\/p>\n
Morocco expanded its petroleum storage capacity by more than 30% between 2021 and 2025. The increase created reserves equivalent to more than 17 additional days of national fuel consumption.<\/p>\n
The minister noted that nearly 80% of existing storage capacity is concentrated around Casablanca and the Tangier region. Authorities are continuing efforts to expand storage infrastructure across other parts of the country to strengthen the resilience of the national energy supply system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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