Tunisia's Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has stated that there are currently no plans or studies to list the oil transport company Trapsa on the stock exchange. The ministry emphasized that this option is not being considered at present due to the company's strategic nature and the need to maintain public service continuity and supply security. This announcement was made in response to a written question from MP Fatma Mesdi.
The ministry's response was in the form of a written letter from the Minister of Equipment and Housing, who is also responsible for managing the Industry Ministry, to the President of the People's Representatives Assembly. The letter provided details about Trapsa's activities, governance, and performance, as well as its impact on the country's energy and financial security. Trapsa is classified as a public establishment of type "A" and is subject to the Tunisian-French agreement of June 30, 1958, and law No. 111 of 1985.
Trapsa's main activities include the transportation, storage, and loading of crude oil, as well as some petroleum and maritime services. The company's operations are based on a set of agreements and contracts related to the transportation, storage, and loading of petroleum products, and it is subject to tariffs that are reviewed regularly. In recent years, several of these contracts have been updated to improve operating conditions and enhance operational efficiency.
The Industry Ministry also revealed that Trapsa has a number of future projects planned, including the rehabilitation and modernization of its infrastructure and petroleum installations, as part of the 2026-2030 development plan. These projects include the maintenance of pipelines and storage equipment, the construction of two new basins with capacities of 35,000 and 5,000 cubic meters, and the maintenance of maritime equipment.
In addition to these projects, the ministry stated that it is working to continue updating Trapsa's transportation and storage systems, and to strengthen its governance, control, and digitization mechanisms, as well as preventive maintenance. The company is also expected to develop its storage capacity and maritime services. The ministry emphasized that Trapsa is subject to the control of specialized public oversight bodies.
The Industry Ministry's announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to improve the governance and performance of public companies in Tunisia. The country's energy sector is a significant contributor to the economy, and the government's management of public companies in this sector is closely watched by citizens and international observers.
The ministry's statement on Trapsa's status is likely to be welcomed by those who have expressed concerns about the potential risks and benefits of listing the company on the stock exchange. The government's decision to prioritize public service continuity and supply security over potential financial gains from listing the company on the stock exchange reflects its cautious approach to managing strategic public assets.
Key points
- No plans to list Trapsa on stock exchange due to strategic nature and need for public service continuity.
- Trapsa's activities include transportation, storage, and loading of crude oil, as well as petroleum and maritime services.
- Company to invest in infrastructure and petroleum installations as part of 2026-2030 development plan.
