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
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
