DRC government makes another attempt to adopt new oil law

Ten months after the suspension of a parliamentary debate on a new oil law, Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo has urged National Assembly deputies to approve the new legislation. Adoption of the draft is one of the reforms needed to maximise tax revenue, the PM said during a 15 October debate over the 2015 budget. The National Assembly has proved resistant to passing the law: a similar appeal was made by hydrocarbons minister Crispin Atama Tabe in May 2013. Ministers are looking to the law to improve the government’s control – and revenue-gathering abilities – over the sector.