Smaller operators to benefit from US Gulf royalty relief

摘要

A recent measure by the US to provide royalty relief on the relatively dormant shallow-water US Gulf of Mexico may spur more interest in offshore leases among some operators, albeit smaller independents. At a time when most operators prefer to spend their money onshore, the measure lowers royalty rates for leases in water depths less than 200 meters to 12.5 from a prior 18.75. It will take effect in August, in time for Lease Sale 249 - the next federal auction of offshore blocks in the Gulf of Mexico.