License / Entity Type

Required Action

Submission Timeline / Deadline

Key Conditions & Funding Rules

Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL)

Submit D&A Plan[1]

Along with the application for Work Programme approval[2]

• Must state the amount to be contributed annually to the D&A Fund.[3]

• Fund review occurs every 10 years, unless significant cost/tech/asset changes trigger early review.[4]

Petroleum Mining Lease (PML)

Submit D&A Plan[5]

Along with the application for Field Development Plan (FDP) approval[6]

• Deemed approved upon the approval of the FDP to which it relates.[7]

• From the effective date of approval, it governs any decommissioning or abandonment operations.[8]

Existing Operators

(With pre-existing plans in an approved FDP)

Submit Updated D&A Plan[9]

Within 6 months from the Commencement of these Regulations[10]

• Applies irrespective of whether there is a D&A Plan previously approved under older laws or by the Commission prior to these regulations.[11]

Holders of Multiple Licenses/Leases

Apply to consolidate fund accounts

At the licensee's discretion (in writing)

• May apply to make annual contributions into a single Fund account.[12]

• Must ensure the annual statement of accounts submitted to the Commission complies with section 233(9)(b) of the Act.[13]

Asset / Situation Type

Required Action

Application Timeline

Crucial Conditions & Prerequisites

Standard Well Abandonment

(Dry or uneconomic after drilling)

Apply to permanently plug and abandon the well[14]

As soon as well drilling results are known[15]

• Must provide well summary info, downhole mechanical conditions, and the proposed plugging method.[16]

• Commission shall approve without delay.[17]

End of Production Well

Plug and abandon the well[18]

Mandatory upon termination of production or use[19]

• Applies to any well drilled by the licensee or lessee, subject to Regulation 17.[20]

Onshore Installations, Plants, or Pipelines

Apply for approval to decommission[21]13

At least 12 months prior to the proposed commencement date[22]14

• Must pay applicable fees and obtain approval before execution.[23]13

• Must include a complete Decommissioning Programme (infrastructure maps, commercial activity info, engineering schematics, and structural metadata).[24]15

Entire Onshore Oil/Gas Field

(Or part of a field)

Apply for approval to decommission and abandon[25]

At least 12 months prior to the proposed commencement date[26]

• Application must feature an Executive Summary detailing chosen decommissioning options, execution decisions, schedule, and risk mitigation profiles.[27]

Emergency Threat

(Risk to personnel, asset, or environment)

Proceed to suspend well immediately; submit retrospective notification[28]

Inform Commission immediately; submit written details within 30 days of starting operations[29]

• Retrospective notification must be written and include complete risk descriptions, intervention actions taken, and the subsequent formalized suspension plan.[30]

Operation Status

Maximum Allowed Duration

Extension Framework & Standards

Enforcement Consequence / Default Clause

Operational Well Shut-In

1 Year[31]

No well may be shut-in for operational reasons beyond 1 year except as expressly approved by the Commission.[32]

Regulatory non-compliance review and standard statutory penalties.

Approved Well Suspension

4 Years[33]

• May be extended upon detailed commercial or asset justifications by the licensee or lessee.[34]

• Must be conducted to ensure safe re-entry and pressure security without compromising barriers.[35]

If an extension application is rejected or not filed, the licensee must complete permanent abandonment within 1 month of expiration.[36]

Breach of Post-Suspension Abandonment

Exceeding the 1-month grace window[37]23

None. (Timeline is rigid unless specific alternative directions are issued by the Commission).[38]

The Commission will directly access the licensee's Decommissioning and Abandonment Fund to engage a third party to execute the well abandonment.[39]