The DPR, in a recent notice to Oil and Gas industry operators, contractors and service providers, introduced measures to be taken immediately in relation to activities at project and construction sites in the Industry. The DPR also declared that “the current situation is considered “force majeure” to ensure the safety and welfare of all personnel and to contain the spread of COVID-19”. Undoubtedly, the action of the DPR in introducing these measures is noble and should be applauded. However, a fundamental legal question that arises is whether DPR’s force majeure declaration can legally protect entities in the Industry in the absence of specific force majeure clauses in their underlying contracts?

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