The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy is responsible for the State’s direct financial interest
(SDFI) and for the State’s shareholding in StatoilHydro ASA, Petoro AS and Gassco AS.
In addition, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy is responsible for the Government Petroleum Insurance Fund.
The government regards it as very important for the state to play a role as a substantial,
long-term and stable owner in order to retain a Norwegian base for StatoilHydro.
The SDFI arrangement was established in 1985. The arrangement implies that the Norwegian
State participates in the Norwegian petroleum sector directly as an investor.
The SDFI has a direct financial interest in 121 production licences.
