Morocco is seeing local investors put money into oil and gas exploration for the first time, a move the government hopes will help boost the country’s search for new energy resources. Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leïla Benali told lawmakers that nearly 10 companies are now exploring for oil and gas in Morocco.
She said they operate under 40 offshore exploration permits, nine onshore permits and four production concessions.
Benali said Morocco has one of the world’s most attractive legal frameworks for oil and gas investors.
She pointed to gas discoveries in Gharb, Essaouira, Tendrara and offshore Larache as positive results. But she said they “remain below the level of incentives offered by the current legal framework.”
The minister said the government has launched a major reform of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) to help develop the sector and improve how it supports exploration.
She added that the arrival of Moroccan investors is an important step for an industry that has until now depended mainly on foreign companies.
Benali also said Morocco has avoided any disruption to fuel supplies despite sharp changes in global energy markets over the past five years.
She said this was possible because of close monitoring, coordination with industry players and flexible crisis management.
Between 2021 and 2025, Morocco increased its fuel storage capacity by more than 30%, adding reserves equal to more than 17 days of national fuel consumption.
However, around 80% of the country’s fuel storage is still located between Casablanca and Tangier. Benali said the government is working with industry partners to build more storage facilities in other regions, spread fuel stocks more evenly and strengthen the country’s energy supply.
