Italy Speeds Up Permitting for Domestic Oil and Gas Projects Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The Italian government has approved a decree-law aimed at speeding up authorization procedures for national oil and gas projects. The move is a response to the recent conflict between the US and Iran, which disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to rising energy prices in Italy.

Nearly all of Italy's domestic oil production and a majority share of gas production are concentrated in the Basilicata region, around the Val d'Agri and Tempa Rossa fields. The government had initially considered appointing special commissioners to speed up renewable energy projects before redirecting the measure toward hydrocarbon projects.

The decree allows the State to appoint a commissioner when a regional authority fails to rule within allotted deadlines on requests for authorization related to hydrocarbon prospecting, research or extraction. This appointment must respect the principle of loyal cooperation between the State and the regions.