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UK's Hunt set to extend energy windfall tax by one year, sources say

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt is set to reveal a oneyear extension of a. windfall levy on energy companies' profits in this week's budget,. market sources informed on the relocation said.

The Energy Earnings Levy (EPL) was introduced in May 2022. after a jump in energy prices arising from Russia's full-blown. intrusion of Ukraine.

Hunt increased the tax in November 2022 from its preliminary 25%. rate to 35%, bringing the total tax burden on North Sea oil. and gas producers to 75%, amongst the highest on the planet.

The chancellor likewise extended the tax until 2028 rather than. 2025 and broadened it to electrical energy generators with a levy of. 45% in an effort to raise 10s of billions of pounds to plug a. major hole in public finances.

In his yearly tax-and-spend speech on Wednesday, Hunt is set. to extend the levy by another year to 2029, the three sources. told .

The tax rate itself, as well as a 29% financial investment allowance. in the windfall tax that permits companies to balance out costs,. will remain the same, the sources said.

A spokesperson for Britain's finance ministry stated: We keep. all taxes under review and do not discuss future tax policy. outside of fiscal events.

North Sea producers have actually stated in the past that the levy has. the result of reducing financial investment in Britain's oil and gas. output.

One source in the market stated that neither of the significant. political parties appeared to appreciate the damage that a. further increase in a currently damaging tax problem would. trigger to British tasks and public finances.

Over the weekend, Hunt looked for to moisten speculation. about big pre-election tax cuts in this week's budget, stating. the economic outlook had gotten worse, however he meant some assistance. for voters.