DRC Orders Audits of Perenco’s Oil Operations and Environmental Impact
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has initiated two comprehensive audits of Perenco, the sole producer of oil in the country, based in the Kongo Central province. The audits aim to examine the company’s production activities and environmental practices.
The Ministry of Hydrocarbons has tasked Alex Stewart International (ASI), a Liverpool-based auditing firm known for its rigorous reviews, with assessing Perenco’s technical and operational activities. ASI will focus on clarifying the management of Perenco’s mature onshore and offshore oil fields.
In parallel, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a specialist consultancy, has been commissioned to evaluate the environmental impact of Perenco’s operations.
Both firms have been given a year to complete their reviews, which are expected to address concerns about Perenco’s capped daily production levels of 20,000 to 25,000 barrels.
The findings could prompt the Congolese government, led by Minister of Hydrocarbons Aimé Sakombi Molendo, to renegotiate Perenco’s contract. “These audits will reveal the true state of oil production and its environmental implications,” stated a source close to the matter.
Perenco, chaired by François Perrodo and managed by Armel Simondin, faces increasing scrutiny as the government seeks greater oversight and transparency in the oil sector.
