Côte d’Ivoire updates petroleum regulations to tighten oversight and include biofuels

Côte d’Ivoire has adopted a new regulatory framework for its downstream petroleum sector, strengthening oversight of industry operators and safety requirements while bringing biofuels under the rules.

The decree was adopted by the government on October 14, updating a legal framework that had been in place since 1992. The downstream sector covers activities including the import, storage, transport, distribution and sale of petroleum products.

The revised rules aim to improve monitoring of operators, address fraud risks and strengthen controls across the petroleum supply chain. They also establish requirements governing the construction, commissioning, modification, expansion, closure and dismantling of facilities such as storage depots, terminals, pipelines and transport infrastructure.

Environmental and health considerations are also included in the regulatory framework, which sets conditions for the operation of facilities and activities covered by the decree.

A key change is the explicit inclusion of biofuels. The new provisions cover activities such as their import, export, processing, storage, transport, distribution and analysis, extending regulatory oversight to a wider range of energy products.

The reform comes as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to adapt its energy-sector rules to changing market conditions, improve compliance and address risks associated with petroleum distribution.

The adoption of the decree marks an update to the country’s regulatory framework. The practical impact will depend on the implementation of its provisions and the requirements imposed on operators.