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Shares of UK North Sea oil companies slump after Labour election promise

Shares of British North Sea oil manufacturers fell greatly on Thursday after the opposition Labour celebration described plans to raise taxes on oil and gas, and stop brand-new exploration licences, ahead of next month's general election.

Labour commands a clear lead in surveys over the judgment Conservative celebration ahead of the July 4 vote. The celebration stated in its manifesto that it will increase by 3 percentage points a. windfall tax very first enforced in 2022 after energy costs surged. following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It also vowed to ditch the so-called financial investment allowance,. which excuses most profits that are re-invested in oil and gas. production.

Although the proposals were expected, shares of North Sea. oil producers fell dramatically on Thursday.

Shares of Harbour Energy, the largest producer in. the basin, fell 3.8% by 1330 GMT, while shares of Serica Energy. and Enquest dropped around 8% each. Shares of. Ithaca Energy were down 3.3%.

The existing 35% windfall tax, which will run till 2029,. brings the total tax concern on producers to 75%, amongst the. greatest worldwide.

The levy wiped out most revenues for manufacturers in 2015 and. many, including Harbour Energy, pared back financial investments and cut. numerous jobs. Many of the manufacturers are now looking to. obtain possessions beyond the North Sea.

Industry body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) said on Thursday. it was worried over the strategies to scrap new oil and gas. licences.

We are discussing to all parties that we require the churn of. brand-new licences for a successful homegrown energy shift, to. safeguard tasks and our energy security and develop the investment. conditions firms require to remain here in the UK.

We also need an internationally competitive tax framework based on. fair returns; windfall taxes weaken this. Labour has big. aspirations and we need a financial investment environment to match, OEUK. stated in a statement.

(source: Reuters)