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UK increases windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers

The British federal government will increase a windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas manufacturers to 38% from 35% and extend the levy by one year, financing minister Rachel Reeves revealed on Wednesday.

Providing the first budget under the new Labour federal government, Reeves stated the boost to the windfall tax, referred to as the Energy Profits Levy, will take effect on Nov. 1.

It brings the heading tax rate on oil and gas activities to 78%, among the highest worldwide. Its period will be extended by a year to March 2030.

The changes also include scrapping the levy's 29% investment allowance, which lets business balance out tax from capital that is re-invested.

The Labour federal government, elected in July, wants to use the earnings from oil and gas to raise funds for renewable resource jobs.

North Sea manufacturers have warned that the greater tax rate could lead to a sharp drop in financial investments in the ageing basin.

A 25% windfall tax was first presented by the previous Conservative government in May 2022 in the wake of soaring energy costs following Russia's intrusion of Ukraine. The tax was subsequently increased to 35% in November 2022, and extended by one year in March 2024.

(source: Reuters)