The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has opened an investigation into a possible failure to maximise economic recovery for the UK due to a commercial disagreement. 

The OGA considers there to be sufficient initial evidence and will now open a sanctions investigation. 

The investigation will now, among other things:  

• gather and assess further information to enable the OGA to reach a decision
• offer the companies concerned the opportunity to provide written representations
• decide how the case should be resolved

A June 2019 OGA letter to licensees and infrastructure owners outlined the OGA’s regulatory approach. While praising a great deal of constructive engagement, the letter noted that: “Despite good progress we still see too many issues taking too long to resolve or ending up in deadlock between disputing parties, threatening MER UK.” 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Oil & Gas Authority