The energy independence rate, which represents the ratio of primary energy resources to primary consumption, was 48% in 2023 compared to 50% in 2022, according to the monthly report on the energy situation for December 2023 published by the National Observatory of Energy and Mines. Without the Algerian gas royalty, the level of energy independence would be reduced to 38% in 2023, compared to 39% last year. Primary energy resources amount to 4.4 Mtoe in 2023, down 6% compared to the previous year, mainly due to the decline in domestic production of crude oil and natural gas. These resources continue to be dominated by domestic oil and gas production, both accounting for 73% of total primary energy resources. When royalties are taken into account, the primary energy balance showed a deficit of 4.7 Mtoe in 2023, a slight decrease of 1% in 2023 compared to 2022, as a result of the fall in primary energy demand. The structure of primary energy demand did not change. In fact, the share of oil products remaine d almost unchanged at 48% between 2022 and 2023. Similarly, the share of natural gas was almost unchanged at 51% over the same period. 16 permits valid until 2023 The total number of oil and gas permits valid in 2023 is 16, of which 14 are exploration and 2 exploration permits. The total number of concessions is 56, of which 44 are in production. The State participates through ETAP in 34 of these producing concessions and directly in 3 currently valid concessions. A new exploration permit "Boughrara" was awarded in January 2023, while the hydrocarbon exploration permit "El Waha" expired on December 23, 2023. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse