BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA (By Steve Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 9.Apr.2026, Word: 184) — Occidental (OXY) announced an oil discovery at the Bandit prospect in the Gulf of America (formerly the Gulf of Mexico), about 125 miles south of the Louisiana coast.
The exploration well, located in Green Canyon Block 680, encountered high-quality, full-to-base oil-bearing Miocene sands.
Bandit is operated by OXY, which holds a 45.375% working interest, and includes co-owners Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (37.125% WI) and Woodside Energy (17.5% WI).
The co-owners are currently evaluating results to determine next steps, OXY said on 9 APr. 2026 in an official statement.
“Occidental is focused on strengthening our Gulf of America portfolio,” Jeff Simmons, senior vice president, subsurface technology and chief petrotechnical officer said in the statement.
The Bandit discovery has the potential for subsea tie-backs to an adjacent Occidental-operated facility and others in the nearby area, OXY said.
“We believe this discovery demonstrates the continued importance of the Gulf of America as a strategic source of reliable domestic oil supply that supports long-term energy security,” Simmons said.
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By Steve Stewart reporting from Baton Rouge. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
