Italy imposes offshore exploration moratorium
The industry’s future hangs in the balance as the government considers a new energy transition strategy
Hopes of a revival for Italy's upstream sector have been dealt a severe blow by parliamentary approval in February of an 18-month moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration permits, as well as a sharp increase in fees payable on upstream concessions. The government says it wants to prioritise renewable energy developments instead. The measures were introduced as an amendment to the government's so-called "simplification decree" and are intended to assist Italy's energy system in its "process of transition towards decarbonisation", says economic development ministry undersecretary Davide Crippa. Crippa is a member of the populist Five-Star Movement, which is part of a ruling coalition wit
Also in this section
15 August 2025
US secondary sanctions are forcing a rapid reassessment of crude buying patterns in Asia, and the implications could reshape pricing, freight and supply balances worldwide. With India holding the key to two-thirds of Russian seaborne exports, the stakes could not be higher
11 August 2025
The administration is pushing for deregulation and streamlined permitting for natural gas, while tightening requirements and stripping away subsidies from renewables
8 August 2025
The producers’ group missed its output increase target for the month and may soon face a critical test of its strategy
7 August 2025
The quick, unified and decisive strategy to return all the barrels from the hefty tranche of cuts from the eight producers involved in voluntary curbs signals a shift and sets the tone for the path ahead
