Murphy Oil Announces Oil Discovery Offshore Côte d'Ivoire
A Significant Find in the CI-709 Block
The American company Murphy Oil has announced a oil discovery at the Bubale-1X exploration well, drilled in deep waters off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire, on the CI-709 block. According to the press release published on June 22, 2026, by the company, the drilling highlighted approximately 30 meters of net oil pay distributed over two reservoirs. The identified crude is described as light and of good quality, an element generally considered favorable for future exploitation.
Third Drilling Campaign in Ivorian Offshore
This discovery comes after two previous attempts that did not reach a commercial threshold. In January 2026, the Civette-1X well on the CI-502 block revealed the presence of hydrocarbons without economic viability. A few weeks later, the Caracal-1X well on the CI-102 block also confirmed traces of oil and gas without leading to a profitable exploitation. These results, however, allowed for a refinement of the geological understanding of the basin.
A Turning Point in Murphy Oil's Exploration Strategy
The success of Bubale-1X is presented as a turning point in the company's exploration strategy, which now estimates a better understanding of the Ivorian offshore oil system. Murphy Oil mentions the preparation of an appraisal well planned for the second half of the year to clarify the size and potential of the field.
A Growing Petroleum Sector in Côte d'Ivoire
This announcement is part of a broader context of growth in the petroleum sector in Côte d'Ivoire. Since the discovery of the Baleine field in 2021, the country has attracted more international players. Groups like VAALCO Energy, CNR International, and Petrobras are also strengthening their exploration activities in the Ivorian sedimentary basin, considered increasingly promising.
National Ambitions Remain High
The national ambitions remain high: Côte d'Ivoire aims for a production that could reach 500,000 barrels of oil per day and approximately one billion cubic feet of gas by 2035, as part of its energy strategy. Murphy Oil holds between 85% and 90% of interests in its Ivorian blocks, in partnership with the national company PETROCI, and acts as the main operator on the CI-709 block with a 90% participation.
