Press Releases April 8, 2026 08:00 PM

Occidental Announces Gulf of America Oil Discovery at Bandit

Occidental Petroleum announces significant oil discovery in the Gulf of America at the Bandit prospect.

By Maya Rios OXY
Occidental Announces Gulf of America Oil Discovery at Bandit
OXY

Occidental Petroleum Corporation reported a new oil discovery at the Bandit prospect located about 125 miles south of Louisiana in the Gulf of America. The discovery involves high-quality, full-to-base oil-bearing Miocene sands and offers potential subsea infrastructure tie-backs to existing nearby facilities. Occidental, which operates the site and holds a 45.375% interest, along with Chevron U.S.A. and Woodside Energy, is evaluating the results to determine future development steps. This discovery emphasizes the strategic importance of the Gulf of America as a reliable domestic oil supply source supporting energy security and strengthens Occidental's regional portfolio.

Key Points

  • Discovery of high-quality oil-bearing Miocene sands at Bandit prospect in Gulf of America.
  • Occidental operates the prospect with a 45.375% working interest; partners include Chevron U.S.A. and Woodside Energy.
  • Potential for subsea tie-backs to adjacent Occidental-operated and nearby facilities, which can optimize development costs and timelines.
  • Impacted sectors include oil and gas exploration and production, energy infrastructure, and domestic energy supply markets.

HOUSTON, April 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Occidental (NYSE: OXY) today announced an oil discovery at the Bandit prospect in the Gulf of America, 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 Occidental, which holds a 45.375% working interest, and includes co-owners Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (37.125%) and Woodside Energy (17.5%). The co-owners are currently evaluating results to determine next steps. The discovery has the potential for subsea tie-backs to an adjacent Occidental-operated facility and others in the nearby area.

“Occidental is focused on strengthening our Gulf of America portfolio,” said Jeff Simmons, Senior Vice President, Subsurface Technology and Chief Petrotechnical Officer. “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.”

About Occidental

Occidental is an international energy company that produces, markets and transports oil and natural gas to maximize value and provide resources fundamental to life. The company leverages its global leadership in carbon management to advance lower-carbon technologies and products. Headquartered in Houston, Occidental primarily operates in the United States, the Middle East and North Africa. To learn more, visit oxy.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on Occidental’s current expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates and forecasts. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements for purposes of federal and state securities laws. Words such as “believe,” “may,” “expect,” “plan,” “potential” or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes are generally indicative of forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Unless legally required, Occidental does not undertake any obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve assumptions that may prove to be incorrect and risks and uncertainties, including those that are beyond Occidental’s control. Factors that may cause actual results, including project plans, schedules, capacities, production rates, and resource recovery, to differ materially from forward-looking statements include general economic conditions domestically or internationally; global and local commodity and commodity-futures pricing fluctuations and volatility; supply and demand considerations for, and the prices of, Occidental's products and services; availability of capital resources, levels of capital expenditures and contractual obligations; and the regulatory approval environment, including Occidental's ability to timely obtain or maintain permits or other government approvals, including those necessary for drilling and/or development projects. Additional factors that may affect the discovery, its benefits and next steps can be found in Occidental’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which may be accessed at oxy.com or the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Information included herein is not necessarily material to an investor in Occidental’s securities.

Contacts

MediaInvestors
Eric Moses
713-497-2017
[email protected] A. Cole
713-552-8811
[email protected]

Risks

  • Forward-looking statements subject to uncertainties including general economic conditions and market volatility affecting commodity prices.
  • Regulatory environment risks, including potential delays or denial of permits necessary for drilling and development.
  • Uncertainties in actual production rates, resource recovery, and project schedules that could affect operational and financial outcomes.

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