South Africa imposes licensing restrictions
Temporary restrictions on oil and gas licensing are causing confusion, but should help reform the licensing system in the long run
A moratorium on new applications for petroleum and exploration rights in South Africa has surprised the industry. But the government says it's necessary in order to overhaul the unsatisfactory licensing framework. On 28 June, Petroleum Agency South Africa, the state regulator, published a statement signed by mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe. It said the granting of new technical cooperation permits, and exploration and production rights would be restricted until the publication of a fresh invitation for applications. The statement added that the restriction was part of a strategy to improve the licensing system to fast-track exploration, but gave little further explanation. The mora
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
