Executive Decree No. 494/18 approving the Regulation of the National Directorate of Petroleum.

This Executive Decree, approves the Regulation of the National Directorate of Petroleum (DNP) as a direct executive service of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Petroleum. This Regulation, consisting of 10 articles divided into four Chapters and two Annexes, establishes the composition, duties and responsibilities of the above mentioned Directorate, entitled to perform the following activities: promote the implementation of the National Policy on Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels in the national territory. In particular, the Directorate is responsible to: Ensure with the other organs of the Ministry the implementation of the National Policy on Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels; Promote and collaborate in studies necessary to define the policy related to the exercise of petroleum operations and biofuel production; Promote the rational use of petroleum resources, study and implement measures aimed at the knowledge, quantification and replacement of oil reserves; Carry out research and programmes for the development of petroleum operations and production of biofuels, requiring the use of efficient and up-to-date techniques in all activities; Give advice on the Annual Work Programmes and monitor the execution of the general development plans; Propose and collaborate for the elaboration of norms, regulations and technical specifications related to petroleum operations; etc.