Tunisia's Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy has announced that there are currently no plans to list TRAPSA, a state-owned oil transport company, on the stock exchange. The ministry stated that this option is not being considered due to the company's strategic importance and its role in providing a public service. The ministry emphasized the need to maintain the continuity of the public service and ensure energy security.
The ministry's statement was made in response to a written question from MP Fatma Mesdi regarding TRAPSA's activities, governance, and financial performance. The ministry's response, signed by the Minister of Equipment and Housing, who is currently in charge of the Industry Ministry, provided detailed information about TRAPSA's operations and regulatory framework. TRAPSA was established under a 1958 Tunisian-French agreement and is governed by Law No. 111 of 1985.
TRAPSA is classified as a public establishment of type "A" and its main activities include transporting, storing, and loading crude oil, as well as providing 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. The ministry stated that these tariffs are revised annually or every three years, depending on economic indicators and operating costs.
In recent years, TRAPSA has updated several of its contracts to improve operating conditions and enhance operational efficiency. The ministry reported that TRAPSA's future plans include a number of projects aimed at upgrading and modernizing its infrastructure and facilities, as outlined in the 2026-2030 development plan. These projects include maintenance of the pipeline and storage equipment, construction of new storage facilities, and upgrading of maritime equipment.
The 2026-2030 development plan also includes projects to enhance TRAPSA's safety and environmental protection systems. The ministry stated that it is working to modernize TRAPSA's transportation and storage systems, and to strengthen its governance, control, and digitization mechanisms. The ministry emphasized that TRAPSA is subject to the oversight of specialized public control bodies.
TRAPSA's activities are crucial to Tunisia's energy security, and the company's strategic importance is reflected in its role as a major player in the country's oil transport and storage sector. The ministry's decision to rule out listing TRAPSA on the stock exchange reflects the company's unique status as a public establishment and the need to maintain its independence.
The ministry's announcement provides clarity on TRAPSA's status and future plans, and highlights the company's ongoing role in Tunisia's energy sector. The decision to prioritize the company's strategic importance and public service role over potential financial benefits from listing on the stock exchange reflects the government's commitment to ensuring energy security and continuity of public services.
Key points
- The Tunisian Industry Ministry has ruled out listing TRAPSA, a state-owned oil transport company, on the stock exchange due to its strategic importance and role in providing a public service.
