Liberia on Wednesday launched its 2026 oil and gas auction round, offering direct negotiations on 29 offshore blocks to try to attract international oil companies and boost exploration, its regulatory authority said.

The West African country, which currently does not produce any oil, showcased its Liberia and Harper Basins at an energy conference in Cape Town.

In promotional material, the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority said its Harper Basin was attracting attention due to similar geological properties found in the petroleum system of neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire where Eni discovered its large Baleine and Calao fields