{"id":129046,"date":"2026-02-06T09:52:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T09:52:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=129046"},"modified":"2026-02-09T10:41:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T10:41:43","slug":"ivory-coast-energy-oil-gas","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/ivory-coast-energy-oil-gas\/","title":{"rendered":"Ivory Coast: Energy- Oil &amp; Gas"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-129046","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-energy-oil-gas","jurisdictions-ivory-coast"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Carius Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/02\/LOGO-CARIUS-AND-PARTNERS-AI_Plan-de-travail-1-copie-2-1.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Carius Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/02\/LOGO-CARIUS-AND-PARTNERS-AI_Plan-de-travail-1-copie-2-1.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Energy- Oil &amp; Gas laws and regulations applicable in Ivory Coast<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction have an established upstream oil and gas industry? What are the current production levels and what are the oil and gas reserve levels?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As at 2024, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s sedimentary basin comprised a total of 50 petroleum blocks, allocated as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>22 blocks under exploration;<\/li>\n<li>6 blocks under production; and<\/li>\n<li>22 unallocated blocks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The principal crude oil and natural gas blocks currently in production or development in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Block CI-11, covering the Lion and Panth\u00e8re fields;<\/li>\n<li>Block CI-26, covering the Espoir field;<\/li>\n<li>Block CI-27, encompassing the Foxtrot, Mahi, Marlin, and Manta fields;<\/li>\n<li>Block CI-40, covering the Baobab field; and<\/li>\n<li>Blocks CI-101 and CI-802, covering the Baleine field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Based on the latest statistics available for 2025, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s crude oil production reached 16,154,986 barrels in 2024, representing an average of 44,139 barrels per day. This output reflects a 50% increase compared to 2023 (10,752,196 barrels), driven primarily by the start of production at the Baleine field in August 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Natural gas production amounted to 95.93 billion cubic feet (approximately 262.11 MMSCF per day), compared to 96.33 billion cubic feet in 2023 (263.92 MMSCF per day). Overall, gas production remained broadly stable, with a marginal decline of 0.41% year-on-year.<\/p>\n<p>Following recent major discoveries, notably the Baleine and Calao fields, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s estimated oil and gas reserves are now assessed at between 2.5 and 4 billion barrels. The Ivorian government aims to significantly increase national production to approximately 200,000 barrels per day by 2027\u20132028, supported by the continued development of the Baleine and Calao projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are rights to explore and exploit oil and gas resources granted? Please provide a brief overview of the structure of the regulatory regime for upstream oil and gas. Is the regime the same for both onshore and offshore?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire \u2019s oil and gas sector is primarily governed by Law No. 96-669 of 29 August 1996, as amended by Ordinance No. 2012-369 of 18 April 2012 (the \u201cPetroleum Code\u201d), and by Decree No. 96-733 of 19 September 1996 implementing the Petroleum Code (the \u201cApplication Decree\u201d).<\/p>\n<p>Under the Petroleum Code, all hydrocarbon deposits or natural accumulations, whether discovered or undiscovered, located in the soil or subsoil of the national territory, the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf, are and remain the exclusive property of the State.<\/p>\n<p>The State may carry out petroleum operations directly, either on its own behalf or through state-owned entities. It may also authorise Ivorian or foreign legal entities to conduct petroleum operations pursuant to a petroleum contract entered into with the State. Petroleum contracts are signed by the President of the Republic or by duly appointed representatives acting under a presidential decree. In practice, the President has delegated this authority to the Minister in charge of Oil and Gas, the Minister in charge of the Budget, and the Minister in charge of the Economy and Finance, who jointly execute petroleum contracts.<\/p>\n<p>Petroleum contracts in the C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire includes concession contracts, production sharing contracts, risk service contracts.<br \/>\nDifferent authorisations are issued in respect of different stages of development.<\/p>\n<p>A reconnaissance authorisation grants a non-exclusive right to conduct reconnaissance works within a defined perimeter. It is granted for a maximum period of one (1) year, renewable once for an additional year. Such authorisations do not constitute mining titles, are neither transferable nor assignable, and do not, as a rule, confer the right to enter into a petroleum contract. In exceptional cases\u2014particularly in deepwater offshore areas\u2014the authorisation may provide for preferential or exclusive rights to negotiate a petroleum contract. Reconnaissance authorisations are issued by the Ministry in charge of hydrocarbons.<\/p>\n<p>A research authorisation grants the exclusive right to carry out hydrocarbon exploration and appraisal activities within a defined perimeter, at the holder\u2019s risk and expense. Depending on the contractual regime, it takes the form of a hydrocarbon research permit (under a concession contract) or an exclusive exploration authorisation (under a production sharing contract). Research authorisations are granted for an initial period of up to three (3) years and may be renewed, subject to contractual terms, within an overall maximum duration of seven (7) years, or nine (9) years for deepwater offshore areas. The holder may apply for a production authorisation upon demonstrating the existence of a commercially exploitable hydrocarbon deposit.<\/p>\n<p>A hydrocarbon production authorisation grants the exclusive right to exploit a commercially viable hydrocarbon deposit within a defined perimeter. It takes the form of an operating concession under a concession contract or an exclusive exploitation authorisation under a production sharing contract. Production authorisations are granted for a maximum period of twenty-five (25) years and may be renewed once for up to ten (10) additional years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key features of the licence\/production sharing contract\/concession\/other pursuant to which oil and gas companies undertake oil and gas exploration, development and production?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Petroleum contracts in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire mainly take the following forms:<\/p>\n<p>Concession contracts, attached to exploration permits and exploitation concessions. A concession contract is concluded prior to the granting of a hydrocarbon exploration permit and sets out the respective rights and obligations of the State and the investors or companies for the duration of the exploration permit. Investors or companies finance petroleum operations at their own risk and, in accordance with the terms of the concession contract, are entitled to the hydrocarbons produced during the contract period.<\/p>\n<p>Production sharing contracts (PSCs), under which the State engages an oil company to carry out, on its behalf and on an exclusive basis, exploration and exploitation activities within a defined contract area, in the event of the discovery of a commercially exploitable hydrocarbon deposit. Petroleum operations are financed by the investors or companies at their own risk. Where production occurs, hydrocarbons are shared between the State and the investors or companies in accordance with the terms of the PSC. Investors or companies receive (i) a portion of production to recover petroleum costs, and (ii) a portion of production as remuneration.<\/p>\n<p>Risk service contracts, which are similar in structure to production sharing contracts. However, under such contracts, the State reimburses petroleum costs incurred by investors or companies in cash, and remuneration is likewise paid in cash rather than in kind.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, production sharing contracts constitute the predominant contractual model used by the State of C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any unconventional hydrocarbon resources (such as shale gas) being developed and produced and is there a separate regulatory regime for those unconventional resources?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Based on current geological research, no unconventional hydrocarbon resources (such as shale gas) have been discovered in C\u00f4te d&#8217;Ivoire. Exploration and production activities in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire have so far focused exclusively on conventional offshore oil and gas resources. There is no separate or specific regulatory regime governing unconventional hydrocarbons under Ivorian law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who are the key regulators for the upstream oil and gas industry?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The principal public institutions involved in petroleum activities in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire are the following:<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Council of Ministers:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Council of Ministers is the highest decision-making authority in respect of petroleum activities carried out within the national territory. It rules on all petroleum matters of national interest and, upon proposal of the Minister in charge of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, has the authority to grant or withdraw petroleum blocks and other petroleum authorisations. Decisions of the Council of Ministers are formalised by presidential decree.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy is the primary governmental authority and first point of contact for petroleum operators. It is responsible for defining national hydrocarbon policy and coordinating its implementation, and it exercises overall supervision of petroleum activities throughout the national territory.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Direction G\u00e9n\u00e9rale des Hydrocarbures (DGH):<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The DGH is a specialised department within the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy responsible for the implementation of national hydrocarbon policy. Its mandate includes the drafting, monitoring and enforcement of petroleum legislation and regulations, the examination of applications for petroleum authorisations, and the technical control and monitoring of petroleum exploration, production, refining, storage, transportation and distribution activities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Commission In<\/strong><strong>terminist\u00e9rielle P\u00e9troli\u00e8re (CIP):<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The CIP is an interministerial body responsible, inter alia, for approving lists of materials, chemical products, machinery and equipment eligible for customs and tax exemptions. It also conducts the technical review of applications for exclusive exploration and exploitation authorisations and provides opinions to the Government on matters relating to the application of the Petroleum Code, particularly with respect to fiscal, monetary and environmental issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the government directly involved in the upstream oil and gas industry? Is there a government-owned oil and gas company?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The State reserves the right to acquire, either directly or through a duly mandated state-owned company, an interest\u2014of any legal form\u2014in petroleum operations conducted under a petroleum contract, in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in such contract.<\/p>\n<p>The State may also carry out petroleum operations directly, either on its own account or through Ivorian legal entities acting on its behalf. The modalities of the State\u2019s participation, or that of a state-owned company, as well as the rules governing the association with other contract holders, are defined in the relevant petroleum contract.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, the State does not hold direct participating interests in petroleum contracts. All State interests are held through Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Nationale d\u2019Op\u00e9rations P\u00e9troli\u00e8res de la C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire (PETROCI), the national oil company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any special requirements for, or restrictions on, participation in the upstream oil and gas industry by foreign oil and gas companies?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Law no. 2022-408 of 13 June 2022 on local content in the oil and gas sector, together with its implementing decree of 24 May 2023 (the \u201cRegulations\u201d), govern local content requirements in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s oil and gas industry.<br \/>\nThe Regulations apply apply to oil and gas companies, subcontractors, and suppliers of goods and services.<\/p>\n<p>Subcontractors, suppliers of goods and services in the oil and gas sector must obtain a licence valid for three (3) calendar years, issued by ministerial order of the Minister in charge of hydrocarbons.<\/p>\n<p>Companies operating in the sector are required to employ Ivorian nationals at all levels of seniority. Compliance is assessed through an employment index measuring the proportion of Ivorian nationals in the workforce. For instance, for suppliers of goods and services, minimum thresholds are set at 50% at commencement of operations, 75% after three (3) years, and 90% after ten (10) years.<\/p>\n<p>The Regulations classify oil and gas activities into three categories: (i) activities reserved exclusively for Ivorian nationals or majority Ivorian-owned companies (\u00ab Ivorian Companies \u00bb) (Category A); (ii) activities to be carried out by companies incorporated in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire or by foreign companies in partnership with Ivorian Companies (Category B); and (iii) activities open to both Ivorian-incorporated companies and foreign companies (Category C).<\/p>\n<p>Compliance with local content obligations is monitored by the Direction G\u00e9n\u00e9rale des Hydrocarbures through various performance indices, including local expenditure, local goods and local services indices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the key features of the environmental and health and safety regime that applies to upstream oil and gas activities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Environmental regime<\/p>\n<p>Under the Environment Code, any project likely to have an impact on the environment is subject to a social and environmental assessment (\u00e9valuation environnementale et sociale).<\/p>\n<p>Projects that, by their nature, scale or potential effects, may adversely affect the natural or human environment are required to undergo an environmental and social impact assessment (\u00e9tude d\u2019impact environnemental et social). Such projects are to be classified according to the significance of their anticipated impacts by an implementing decree, which had not yet been published as of the date of writing.<\/p>\n<p>Under the previous Environment Code, the implementing decree expressly required that applications for hydrocarbon exploration authorisations, petroleum contracts and operating licences be accompanied by an environmental impact assessment. In the absence of the new implementing decree, it is expected that projects in the natural resources sector, including oil and gas activities, will continue to fall within the category of projects subject to an environmental and social impact assessment.Health and safety regime<\/p>\n<p>The Labour Code requires any company employing more than 50 employees to establish an occupational health and safety committee.<\/p>\n<p>The relevant implementing decree sets out the procedures for the establishment, composition and operation of the health, safety and working conditions committee in companies exceeding this workforce threshold.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the government derive value from oil and gas resources (royalties\/production sharing\/taxes)? Are there any special tax deductions or incentives offered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The State derives value from oil and natural gas development through the following revenue streams:<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>(a) Revenue sources common to all petroleum contracts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Fixed duties and fees<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The State levies fixed duties in connection with applications for the grant, renewal, assignment, transfer or relinquishment of petroleum contracts and the authorisations derived therefrom. The applicable amounts and payment modalities are determined by the Finance Law.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Annual surface royalty<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Each contractor under a petroleum contract is required to pay an annual surface royalty, the amount and payment terms of which are specified in the relevant petroleum contract.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Tax on industrial and commercial profits<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Contractors are subject to the tax on industrial and commercial profits (<em>imp\u00f4t sur les b\u00e9n\u00e9fices industriels et commerciaux<\/em>) on the net profits derived from petroleum operations. The determination of taxable profits is governed by the Petroleum Code and the General Tax Code. The applicable tax rate is 25%.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Signature bonus<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Upon execution of a petroleum contract, the contractor pays a signature bonus to the State, in the amount and under the conditions agreed in the contract.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Production bonus<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Contractors may be required to pay production-based bonuses to the State, calculated by reference to the volumes of hydrocarbons produced, in accordance with the terms of the petroleum contract.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Other taxes under the General Tax Code<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Contractors are subject to other applicable taxes and duties, including registration duties, stamp duties, land registration duties and motor vehicle tax.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Withholding obligations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Contractors are subject to general withholding obligations on behalf of the Treasury in respect of taxes on salaries, income, profits and property, in accordance with applicable tax legislation.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>(b) Cash flows under production sharing contracts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Under production sharing contracts, the contractor is entitled to recover petroleum costs by taking an initial share of production (the cost oil). The remaining production (profit oil) is then shared between the State and the contractor in accordance with the contractual sharing mechanism.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>(c) Cash flows under concession contracts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Production-based royalty<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Under concession contracts, the licensee is required to pay a royalty proportional to production. The applicable rate, as well as the assessment and collection procedures, are specified in the concession contract. The royalty may be paid in kind or in cash, as provided therein.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Additional petroleum levy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The licensee may also be subject to an additional petroleum levy calculated on the profits derived from petroleum operations, in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the concession contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any restrictions on export, local content obligations or domestic supply obligations?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The private entity under the petroleum contract must, in the event of hydrocarbon production, allocate its share of its production in priority to satisfying the needs of the Ivorian market. The terms and conditions of this obligation are specified in the petroleum contract (including the assignment price). Once national consumption needs have been met, the private entity may freely dispose of the share of hydrocarbon production to which it is entitled under the contract.<\/p>\n<p>For details on local content regulations, please refer to the comments under question 7.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does the regulatory regime include any specific decommissioning obligations?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Upon expiry of an exploitation authorisation\u2014whether at the end of its normal term or as a result of renunciation or withdrawal\u2014the contractor is required to carry out, at its own cost and expense, all operations relating to the abandonment of the hydrocarbon deposit.<\/p>\n<p>For this purpose, the holder of the petroleum contract must constitute an abandonment provision, in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the petroleum contract. The Petroleum Code provides that petroleum contracts must expressly set out the obligations of the contractor in respect of abandonment.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, the development and production plan submitted to the Government in support of an application for an exclusive exploitation authorisation is required to include a detailed abandonment plan covering all facilities and installations located within the requested exploitation perimeter, together with a site restoration plan for areas affected by petroleum operations.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, upon the total or partial expiry of a hydrocarbon exploration licence\u2014whether at the end of a validity period or following renunciation or cancellation\u2014the licence holder must, at its own expense, carry out the abandonment operations prescribed by applicable regulations and the relevant petroleum contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the regulatory regime that applies to the construction and operation of offshore and onshore oil and gas pipelines?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Where the construction of oil or gas pipelines or related infrastructure is carried out within the scope of a hydrocarbon production authorisation, such authorisation includes the right to transport the hydrocarbons produced. In this context, the holder of the petroleum contract may construct pipelines for the transportation of petroleum products in accordance with the terms and conditions of the petroleum contract.<\/p>\n<p>Where oil or gas pipelines or associated infrastructure are constructed outside the scope of a hydrocarbon production authorisation, the entity holding the relevant transport licence is entitled to occupy the land required for the construction and operation of the pipelines and installations. Such occupation does not confer ownership of the land on which the pipelines or associated infrastructure are built.<\/p>\n<p>Landowners whose property is subject to a right of way are required to refrain from any act likely to interfere with the proper operation of the pipelines and related installations. They are entitled to compensation, the amount of which is to be agreed between the landowner and the holder of the transport licence. In the absence of an amicable agreement, the competent authority responsible for expropriation matters shall determine the amount of compensation payable.<\/p>\n<p>The holder of a transport licence may not occupy land classified as a national park, protected area or national reserve, land located less than one thousand (1,000) metres from an international border or an airport, or land situated less than fifty (50) metres from any religious or non-religious building.<br \/>\nWhere the presence of pipelines or installations prevents the normal use of the land and the landowner so requests, the holder of the transport licence is required to acquire the affected land. In the absence of an amicable agreement, the value of the land shall be determined in accordance with the rules applicable to expropriation.<\/p>\n<p>Where necessary, petroleum operations and related installations may, at the request of the holder of the petroleum contract, be declared to be of public interest and urgent. In such cases, any land required for the execution of the petroleum operations may be expropriated in the public interest. All costs, compensation and charges arising from the expropriation procedure shall be borne by the holder of the petroleum contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the regulatory regime that applies to LNG liquefaction plants and LNG import terminals? Are there any such liquefaction plants or import terminals in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, the current Petroleum Code does not address specific rules applicable to sales or deliveries of natural gas. However, Law No. 92-469 of 30 July 1992 on the suppression of fraud involving petroleum products and violations of technical safety requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Article 2 of law 92-469 states that: \u2018the import, export, processing, storage, transport and distribution of petroleum products are subject to prior authorisation under conditions defined by decree.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Under this law 92-469, the term \u2018petroleum products\u2019 refers to hydrocarbons of mineral or synthetic origin, as well as derivative products.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, a consortium called C\u00f4te d&#8217;Ivoire LNG led by Total (34%), which will be the project operator, the national companies Petro CI (11%) and CI Energies (5%), SOCAR (26%), Shell (13%), Golar (6%) and Endeavor Energy (5%)), was entrusted with the responsibility of developing and operating the liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal in C\u00f4te d&#8217;Ivoire, with a capacity of 3 million tonnes per year.<\/p>\n<p>The project involved the construction of a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Vridi, in the Abidjan region, and a gas pipeline connecting the FSRU to existing power stations.<\/p>\n<p>To date, this project has not been implemented and legal monitoring does not confirm that the project has actually been launched.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the regulatory regime that applies to gas storage (not LNG)? Are there any gas storage facilities in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In C\u00f4te d&#8217;Ivoire, a decree dated 27 February 1974 regulating the creation, development or extension of oil depots and establishments specifies the requirements for the storage of hydrocarbons.<\/p>\n<p>To this end, the creation, development or extension of a depot is subject to prior authorisation from the ministry responsible for hydrocarbons.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, law 92-469 of 30 July 1992 on the suppression of fraud in relation to petroleum products and infringements of technical safety requirements stipulates that the import, export, processing, storage, transport and distribution of petroleum products are subject to prior authorisation under conditions laid down by decree.<\/p>\n<p>In C\u00f4te d&#8217;Ivoire, there are five (05) petroleum depots for the domestic market and for export:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>GESTOCI &#8211; Abidjan Vridi Petroleum Terminal (TPAV);<\/li>\n<li>GESTOCI-Yamoussoukro;<\/li>\n<li>SPCI-Vridi;<\/li>\n<li>SPCI-AOT;<\/li>\n<li>SMB.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The storage capacity for liquid petroleum products in 2024 is 471,608 m3, of which nearly 85.49% is held by Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de Gestion des Stocks P\u00e9troliers de C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire (GESTOCI), while the total storage capacity for butane gas in C\u00f4te d&#8217;Ivoire is 31,551 metric tonnes in 2024, or approximately fifteen (15) days of national consumption. GESTOCI is notably responsible for the management and storage of strategic petroleum product stocks in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a gas transmission and distribution system in your jurisdiction? How is gas distribution and transmission infrastructure owned and regulated? Is there a third party access regime?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The gas distribution network mainly includes packaged butane gas for domestic use, and bulk butane gas for industries, services and public establishments with tanks.<\/p>\n<p>The existing natural gas distribution network is developed by PETROCI. The natural gas distribution network supplies industrial units located in the Vridi, Marcory and Treichville areas.<\/p>\n<p>Oil and gas legislation focuses on the distribution of petroleum products. In C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, there is no legislation equivalent to a gas code specifically detailing the regime for transporting and distributing natural gas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a competitive and privatised downstream gas market or is gas supplied to end-customers by one or more incumbent\/government-owned suppliers? Can customers choose their supplier?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Customers are free to choose their gas suppliers; however, the distribution and supply of gas are subject to regulatory oversight. The exploitation, storage and trading of gas require licences issued by the Direction G\u00e9n\u00e9rale des Hydrocarbures. Gas distribution is carried out exclusively by duly licensed operators. Prices in the downstream gas market are regulated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the downstream gas market regulated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The storage and distribution of downstream gas are governed, inter alia, by law no. 92-469 of 30 July 1992. The import, export, processing, storage, transportation and distribution of petroleum products are subject to prior authorisation. For these purposes, the term \u201c<em>petroleum products<\/em>\u201d refers to hydrocarbons of mineral or synthetic origin and their derivatives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any significant recent changes in government policy and regulation in relation to the oil and gas industry?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The most significant recent change in government policy is the local content regulations. Please refer to question 7.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What key challenges currently affect your jurisdiction\u2019s oil and gas industry, and how has the government and\/or industry responded to it? In particular, please comment on the impact of recent geopolitical tensions and any significant regulatory or market developments.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The main challenges currently affecting the oil industry relate primarily to the enforcement of regulations on local content and the contribution of nationals to the development of the oil and gas sector.<\/p>\n<p>Geopolitical tensions can impact the sector&#8217;s value chain, resulting in higher costs for oil operators.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any policies or regulatory requirements relating to the oil and gas industry which reflect\/implement the global trend towards the low-carbon energy transition?\u202f In particular, are there any (i) requirements for the oil and gas industry to reduce their carbon impact; and\/or (ii) strategies or proposals relating to (a) the production of hydrogen; or (b) the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage facilities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Since gaining independence, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire has signed and ratified several international conventions and agreements relating to the environment, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987);<\/li>\n<li>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted on 9 May 1992 in New York;<\/li>\n<li>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);<\/li>\n<li>Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Furthermore, article 3 of law n\u00b0 2023-900 of 23 November 2023 on the Environment Code specifies that:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The purpose of this law is to: combat climate change, in particular by reducing greenhouse gases and implementing adaptation and mitigation measures;&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Thus, in accordance with the provisions of the new Environmental Code, and in application of the international conventions ratified by the Ivorian Government, renewable energies are set to play an important role in energy production, and the sector should increase the share of renewable energies to 16% in its energy mix by 2030.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4481<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/129046","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=129046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}