Decree-Law No. 20/2008 on the National Authority on Petroleum (ANP).

This Decree-Law, consisting of 32 articles divided into nine Chapters, creates the National Petroleum Authority. It establishes composition, duties and responsibilities of this regulatory institution entitled to deal with the sector/industry of petroleum, natural gas and its derivatives, in scrupulous compliance with the provisions related to legislation on petroleum activities. The regulatory competence of the ANP is restricted to setting operational technical standards, administrative requirements, etc. The ANP is responsible for regulating, contracting, controlling and monitoring economic activities related to oil and petroleum operations, in harmony with the Government sectoral policy, namely: a) Develop research with a view to promoting interest in prospecting and exploring any available blocks or concession areas in the exclusive jurisdiction of East Timor, in compliance with the provisions of the Timor Sea Treaty, in the area of Joint Petroleum Exploration (JPDA). b) In accordance with the principles of transparency, fair competition, as well as quality and economy (cost-based), proceed with the announcement, tender and award of petroleum contracts, and from there, monitor the technical and economic performance of operators in areas of exclusive jurisdiction of Timor-Leste; c) Annually, access, consolidate and disseminate information related to national oil reserves, also provided by the operators. Special attention is paid to the control of petroleum trade and exportation.