Algeria

Algeria

Adoption of hydrocarbon law

14 Nov 2019

The new hydrocarbon law, approved by the National Assembly on 14 November 2019, introduced the following changes, among others • Taxes and other duties have been abolished where the entity is established for the benefit of the state and local authorities. • Foreign workers in the refining and petrochemical fields will be exempted from social security tax, provided they continue to contribute to a social security fund in their country of origin. • The duration of a hydrocarbon contract includes a 30-year exploration and exploitation period and may be extended for a maximum period of 10 years. • The oil and gas supply chain must include provisions that give preference to Algerian companies for the supply of goods and services produced in Algeria, subject to their competitiveness. • It reintroduces production sharing agreements and reduces the complexity of the previous petroleum framework by simplifying the structure of the fiscal terms. Also, royalty/tax participation contracts or risk service agreements will be available. Foreign countries' interest will continue to be limited to a 49% participation stake and foreign entities will need to pay surface tax, royalty, hydrocarbon revenue tax, and additional income tax.