ADNOC Approves Major Gas Project; UK Cuts Electricity Tax; BP Sells Austrian Retail

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced a final investment decision Tuesday for a $6.2 billion gas project, according to OilPrice.com. The Umm Shaif Gas Cap development, to be undertaken with partners TotalEnergies, Eni, and China National Petroleum Corporation, aims to unlock over 600 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas by 2030.

The project includes $5.1 billion in offshore infrastructure contracts and a $365 million drilling program to be executed by ADNOC Drilling over 18 months. ADNOC stated the development supports its strategy to grow its global gas portfolio and liquefied natural gas export plans. This follows last month's agreement bringing BP and TotalEnergies into the consortium for Abu Dhabi's separate Bab Gas Cap project.

In the United Kingdom, the new Labour government announced it will scrap the 5% value-added tax on domestic electricity bills starting October 1, OilPrice.com reported. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the move, funded by canceling a $2.4 billion Digital ID program, is intended to help households cope with rising energy costs. The cut is expected to reduce the annual energy price cap by about $60.

The UK energy regulator raised the price cap by 13% on July 1 due to higher wholesale gas prices linked to the Middle East crisis. The government stated the VAT removal would ease pressure from the higher cap and help keep inflation down. All suppliers are expected to pass the reduction to customers.

Separately, BP has signed an agreement to sell its retail and electric vehicle charging businesses in Austria, Rigzone reported. The divestment to Volenergy includes 250 branded retail sites and is part of the company's simplification drive. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

For Bakken operators, these global moves underscore the continued international focus on natural gas development and the political sensitivity of consumer energy prices. ADNOC's multi-billion dollar commitment to gas infrastructure signals long-term confidence in global LNG demand, which can influence export dynamics for U.S. producers. The UK's policy intervention highlights how governments may respond to price volatility affecting households, a factor that can indirectly shape the regulatory environment for energy commodities worldwide. BP's asset sale reflects the ongoing portfolio optimization among major integrated companies.