Written by oil expert Othman Al-Hdhiri.
The signing of an agreement to develop a producing oil field with a current output of approximately 10,000 barrels per day, with a target of increasing production to 50,000 barrels per day after the completion of development works and drilling operations, raises several questions that deserve clear answers from the relevant authorities.
If the contracting company is primarily known for providing oilfield services, such as the construction and installation of pipelines, rather than having proven experience in exploration, production, and field development, then what technical and legal criteria did the National Oil Corporation (NOC) rely upon in selecting it to manage a project expected to last at least 25 years?
Does this contract comply with the provisions of Parliament Letter No. 15 of 2023? Did the company satisfy all the conditions and criteria announced by the NOC in its 2026 licensing round for investment in the exploration and production sector? If those requirements do not apply in this case, what is the justification for exempting the company?
We also await clarification from the Energy Committee regarding its position on this agreement and expect it to exercise its oversight role by ensuring the integrity of the procedures and safeguarding public funds, free from any other considerations.
Likewise, we look forward to the country’s oversight and judicial bodies carrying out their responsibilities by reviewing all procedures related to this agreement and verifying their compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, in order to protect the nation’s resources and reinforce the principles of transparency and accountability.
The public does not need reassuring statements—it needs documented information and clear answers to these questions.
