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
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
