KrF thinks Statoil has too much power – Offshore.no

KrF ask government and competition authorities intervene against Statoil. The industry is concerned about the increasingly powerful oil company, writes DN.

Already in connection with Statoil / Hydro merger in 2007 warned KrF and party representative in the industry committee in Parliament, Line Henriette Hjemdal, the consequences that Statoil would become too powerful actor, writes Dagens Næringsliv.

– We were aware and warned that the group would receive a too dominant role . We now receive feedback from the supplier industry that they are experiencing a squeeze from Statoil. Signed agreements required to be renegotiated. New agreements will be put on hold, says Hjemdal.

Democratic Party has raised an interpellation in Parliament demanding that the competitive situation for the Norwegian supplier and impact of Statoil’s strong market position is reviewed. Also Competition Authority has been asked to investigate the situation.

At Statoil says information director Bård Glad Pedersen that they understand that the situation is perceived as demanding of players in the industry, but stresses the importance of cutting costs.

– to create the basis for activity, value creation and spin-offs, it is essential that we succeed in taking down costs and strengthen competitiveness in the industry. We are obviously dependent on competitive terms from our suppliers, but the most important thing to bring down costs, cooperation with suppliers to find the best and most effective solutions to make projects realizable, says Pedersen.