Petroleum fiscal and licensing month in brief: big bonuses determine winners in Mexico

The two fiscal disruptions in January were the result of annual corporate income tax changes, that were not targeted at the oil and gas industry. A third fiscal change was evolutionary in nature and helped reset government expectations for new licences ahead of a bid round. The legislated fiscal changes were overshadowed this month by the fiscal terms offered by investors in competitive tenders. Mexico continued its hot streak by awarding 19 of 29 blocks, securing large signature bonuses in the process. But in comparison, Indonesia received little in the way of signature bonuses. With more rounds launched and some robust debate this month, read our report to discover: Which US states are considering raising taxes following the Trump tax cut? How close Nigeria is to a new petroleum law? Which country is under the transparency spotlight? How will fiscal terms help determine winners in the Indian OALP round? How big were the signature bonuses in Mexico?