L’industria petrolifera in Basilicata tra persistenze del dualismo territoriale e deficit istituzionali

For the past 25 years, Basilicata has been involved in a significant oil and gas extraction activity, initially by the Eni alone, and subsequently also by Total in a near territory, in an internal area of the region (Agri valley) where historically agricultural sector and zootechnic activities have been prevalent. Since from the start, the oil industry, despite environmental concerns, raised considerable expectations to economic development and employment. The article, in reconstructing the main phases of industrial activity and institutional bargaining that have affected the relationship between oil companies and the Basilicata Region, intends to evaluate the actual economic and employment impact generated by investments as well as the effects on regional public finance due to the royalties.