Tunisia: Petrofac set to quit despite government aid

The promise of generous social and economic assistance from the Tunisian government to the local community on Kerkennah Island in the Gulf of Gabès may not be enough to dissuade Petrofac from withdrawing from its gas production concession there. The UK-based company threatened to leave in September following eight months of protests and blockades which have severely interrupted its operations. Its threat prompted the government to offer a package of investments, which was accepted by local unions but not, it seems, by Petrofac.