Nada Boustani, Lebanon’s Energy Minister, announced on January 13 that the deadline for submitting the applications in the second licensing round for oil and gas exploration has been extended, according to the Daily Star.

the new deadline date has moved from January 31, 2020 to April 30, 2020, according a statement from the ministry.

This came after the Energy Ministry and the Lebanese Petroleum Administration received requests from international oil companies (IOCs) asking for extension. This would “allow these companies to complete their administrative and technical preparations stipulated in the book of tenders,” the statement said.

It is worth noting that this will not affect drilling in Block 4 and that Lebanon was waiting for the return of the Tungsten Explorer drillship provided by the US-based contractor, Vantage Drilling, Boustani noted.