States that petroleum resources will be managed in a long-term perspective so as to benefit the entire Norwegian society in regards to resource management, generation of income and employment for the country, ensuring a better environment, and strengthening Norwegian business and industrial development. Restricts petroleum activity to the State unless granted permissions, approvals, and consents as required by this Act. Applies to petroleum activities related to subsea petroleum deposits subject to Norwegian jurisdiction and petroleum activities in and outside the empire and the Norwegian continental shelf as it follows from international law or by agreement with a foreign state. Act details requirements and limitations related to examination permits, production licenses, recovery of petroleum, decommissioning, registrations, liabilities, social requirements, special rules of compensation to Norwegian fishermen, and other general terms.