Norway: No Comment on Statoil Dividend

Norway's oil minister declined on Monday to say whether he thinks state-controlled energy firm Statoil should cut its dividend amid the crash in oil prices.

The government holds 67 percent of Statoil's shares but manages the firm under an arm's-length policy that gives the board the freedom to make commercial decisions.

Two members of parliament for Norway's ruling Conservatives argued in financial daily Dagens Naeringsliv on Monday that Statoil should sharply reduce its dividend in response to lower crude prices, and instead save the cash for investments.

"I note that Statoil's dividend is being questioned from several sides. As the person responsible for the state's ownership in the firm, I discuss such matters with the leading organs in Statoil, not in the public debate," said Energy Minister Tord Lien, who represent the populist Progress Party, in a mailed statement.

Statoil, which has said its dividend policy remains intact, is due to give a strategy update in early February. The company declined to comment.

Reporting by Stine Jacobsen