(1) Where public interest or national interest requires, the Minister may, after consultation with the contractor, postpone the development of a field.

(2) In the event of a postponement under subsection (1), the term of the petroleum agreement shall be extended for the period of postponement, and the obligation to pay acreage fees during that period shall be suspended.

(3) This section applies to the Corporation where it undertakes petroleum activities under section 11 (1).