Lebanon has given the green light for the launch of a second offshore licensing round next year, hoping to lure more international oil companies to its Mediterranean waters.

Energy Minister Nada Boustani said the tender will include blocks 1,2,5,8 and 10.

The first round of Lebanon’s licensing process saw the award of blocks 4 and 9 to a consortium consisting of France's Total, Italy's Eni and Russia's Novatek.