§ 1218.154 Effect of suspensions on royalty and rental.

(a) ONRR will not relieve the lessee of the obligation to pay rental or minimum royalty for or during the suspension if the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Regional Supervisor: (1) Grants a suspension of operations or production, or both, at the request of the lessee; or (2) Directs a suspension of operations or production, or both, under 30 CFR 250.173(a). (b) ONRR will not require a lessee to pay rental or minimum royalty for or during the suspension if the BSEE Regional Supervisor directs a suspension of operations or production, or both, except as provided in (a)(2) of this section. (c) If the lease anniversary date falls within a period of suspension for which no rental or minimum royalty payments are required under paragraph (b) of this section, the prorated rentals or minimum royalties are due and payable as of the date the suspension period terminates. These amounts shall be computed and notice thereof given the lessee. The lessee shall pay the amount due within 30 days after receipt of such notice. The anniversary date of a lease shall not change by reason of any period of lease suspension or rental or royalty relief resulting therefrom.