ABU DHABI - Lebanon's energy minister said on Tuesday he does not expect any delays to its first oil and gas offshore licensing round because of the political crisis sparked by the prime minister's resignation.

Energy and Water Minister Cesar Abi Khalil told reporters on the sidelines of an energy conference in Abu Dhabi he expects to submit his report on the bids to the council of ministers for final approval before the year-end.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned in a speech from Saudi Arabia on Nov. 4 and has yet to return to the country, sparking a political crisis.

(Reporting by Maha el Dahan; Writing by Lisa Barrington in Beirut; Editing by Louise Heavens) ((lisa.barrington@thomsonreuters.com; +961)(0)(1954456;))