National oil companies in the Middle East and North Africa : remaining relevant in a changing world

Abstract EN

This paper applies a practitioner’s analytical perspective to assessing the contractual arrangements governing oil and natural gas development in oil-producing countries in the Middle East and North African, drawing on international experience for a comparative approach.

It also looks at factors influencing the efficiency and competitiveness of national oil companies in these countries, key aspects of the relationship between international oil companies and these governments, and management issues vis-à-vis governments and their national oil companies, such as competitive neutrality.

It finds that the type of contractual arrangement used influences the extent to which the needs and interests of host countries are advanced, and that applying political constraints and non-commercial mandates to national oil companies diminish their competitiveness.

Finally, it finds that national oil companies that diversify the nature and geographical scope of their activities have a stronger likelihood of remaining relevant in today’s changing oil and gas industry.