Efforts to identify new hydrocarbon reserves in Hungary are gaining momentum as MOL launches a new phase of exploration in the country’s southwest. The campaign is focused on the Buzsák exploration block near Lake Balaton, where advanced airborne measurements are currently being conducted.
The survey, carried out by US-based Bell Geospace, covers an area of around 820 square kilometers across Somogy and Zala counties. Unlike conventional exploration techniques, the project uses a passive measurement approach. Specialized instruments onboard the aircraft detect subtle variations in the Earth’s gravitational field, enabling scientists to map underground formations with high precision. This method, known as gradiometry, allows the creation of detailed three-dimensional models that may reveal the presence of oil or natural gas deposits.
Flights are being performed along a carefully structured grid pattern, combining north–south and east–west routes to ensure full coverage of the target area. The data collected will complement earlier ground-based studies conducted the previous year, enhancing the overall understanding of the region’s geological potential.
MOL secured exploration rights for the Buzsák block in 2025 through a joint bid with Turkish state-owned TPOC. The current phase of airborne surveying is expected to play a crucial role in identifying priority drilling locations.
The campaign is scheduled to last approximately ten days, although its duration will depend on weather conditions, as the sensitive equipment requires stable atmospheric conditions to operate effectively.
