Petronas to explore O&G in Oman’s Block 18

MUSCAT, OMAN (Feb 13): Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has signed a concession agreement with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and OQ Exploration and Production Batinah Offshore LLC (OQEP) for the exploration of oil and gas in Block 18.

In a statement, the national oil and gas company said the agreement was signed by its wholly-owned subsidiary PC Oman Ventures Ltd (PCOVL).

Block 18 is a large offshore exploration area located in Northeast Oman, spanning
more than 21,000 square kilometres and offering significant frontier exploration potential across diverse geological settings, from shallow to ultra-deep water.

With the signing of the concession agreement, PCOVL will assume operatorship of Block 18 in partnership with OQEP.

The collaboration follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Petronas and OQEP in October 2025, and strengthens their strategic partnership while reinforcing Petronas’ long-term presence in Oman.

Petronas said PCOVL has been active in the Sultanate of Oman since 2018 and currently holds a participating interest in Block 61.

“The partnership supports PETRONAS’ aspiration to enhance its competitive upstream portfolio by aligning its offshore exploration capability with OQEP’s regional expertise, laying the foundation for a mutually beneficial venture,” it said.

Petronas international assets vice president Mohd Redhani Abdul Rahman Petronas aims to unlock the potential of Block 18 through innovative exploration approaches and OQEP’s basin knowledge, contributing to Oman’s long-term energy security.

“Building on our technical strengths and successes, Petronas continues to expand its exploration activities into new frontiers.

“The addition of Block 18 aligns with our commitment to disciplined portfolio expansion, providing strategic optionality across our international portfolio,” he said.

In 2025, Petronas achieved a series of notable discoveries across key basins,
reaffirming its position as one of the leading global explorers.

From unlocking new hydrocarbon potential in Malaysia’s Lebah Emas producing well to delivering high-impact discoveries in Suriname Block 52, these successes underscore the strength of Petronas’ clustered exploration strategy, it added.