The bill on the fourth renewal of the “Zarat” hydrocarbon exploration permit was adopted, Tuesday, without debate, during a plenary session of the House of People’s Representatives (ARP).
This session was marked by disruptions from the Free Destourian Party (PDL) who pointed the finger at corruption and chanted the slogan “get out”.
The fourth renewal of the Zarat permit comes following a request filed on March 25, 2019, by the Tunisian Company of Oil Activities (ETAP) after the failure to obtain the third renewal, from July 25, 2012.
ETAP, which initially held 55% of Zarat, has therefore published Annex 5 amending Article 20 of the specifications of the licence agreement, the application of which requires the approval of a legislative text.
ETAP requested the regularisation of the file by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons after the publication of the 2013 annex, the refusal of the third and the full acquisition of the Zarat permit.
ETAP justified the fourth extension request by the significant exploration prospects in terms of the existence of geological structures to be explored and developed and positive economic results.
The Zarat permit was awarded in accordance with the convention signed on April 5, 1990, and the provisions of Decree No. 9 of 1985 and the provisions of the special convention.

Source: TAP News Agency