OGA takes aim at Elgin-Franklin laggards
The UK upstream regulator is unhappy at partners in the field dragging their feet on the sale of ExxonMobil’s stake
The UK’s Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has opened an investigation into the proposed sale by ExxonMobil of its stakes in certain UK North Sea fields to Norwegian private equity-backed Neo Energy. It is specifically focused on the speed at which partners in the Elgin-Franklin complex are agreeing to the major transferring its ownership there, amid concerns it is not progressing as quickly as expected. The consent of joint venture partners is required to effect transfer of the stake. But, as negotiations that began in February 2021 have not yet reached a conclusion, the OGA has opened an investigation under its Sanction Procedure. It has previously voiced concerns on “transaction drag and the ch
Also in this section
27 February 2026
LNG would serve as a backup supply source as domestic gas declines and the country’s energy system comes under stress during periods of low hydropower output and high energy demand
27 February 2026
The assumption that oil markets will re-route and work around sanctions is being tested, and it is the physical infrastructure that is acting as the constraint
27 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress to take place in tandem as part of a coordinated week of high-level ministerial, institutional and industry engagements
27 February 2026
The deepwater sector must be brave by fast-tracking projects and making progress to seize huge offshore opportunities and not become bogged down by capacity constraints and consolidation






