A SCOTTISH oil firm has been accused of showing “complete contempt” for Holyrood and Westminster after ignoring concerns over its Gaza gas project from both an MSP and an MP.
The National previously revealed how Dana Petroleum, headquartered in Aberdeen and ultimately owned by the Korean National Oil Corporation, was among several companies granted licences in 2023 to explore the gas-rich seabed near Gaza – just weeks after Israel began its bombing campaign following the October 7 attacks.
The move sparked outrage among human rights groups and climate campaigners in Scotland, who warned the company could be profiting from Israel’s occupation and military campaign in Gaza.
Palestinian organisations have also argued that such extraction could violate international humanitarian law.
But Dana Petroleum has refused to respond to both journalists and campaigners, even after Italian firm Eni, which also received a license at the same time, committed to not exploring gas in Palestinian waters amid the genocide in Gaza.
But the oil firm has also blanked both a Scottish Greens MSP and a Labour MP.
In March, North East MSP Maggie Chapman sent a letter to Dana Petroleum chair Wonjun Kwak accusing the firm of remaining silent in the face of mounting criticism and urging a response. But the Sunday National understands that a response is still forthcoming.
Earlier this month, Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman also brought up concerns about Dana Petroleum in a question to Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty.
He asked: “Does the Foreign Secretary share my concern that the British company, Dana Petroleum, is involved in a consortium that has been granted licences for oil exploration in Palestinian waters off the coast of the occupied Gaza Strip?
"Does he agree that it is illegal and amounts to the war crime of pillage? What does he intend to do to challenge this illegal action by a British-based company?"
In response, they said that the issue was important and added that the UK recognises Palestine as a state with territorial sea rights and that any UK firm must comply with international law.
But Leishman has also confirmed to the Sunday National that he has received no communication from Dana Petroleum.
Chapman, meanwhile, said it is “absolutely outrageous that Dana Petroleum is refusing to engage on what are important questions” about their operations off the coast of Gaza.
“The Scottish Greens have been clear that no Scottish companies should be involved in resource extraction from internationally recognised Palestinian waters,” she said.
“Such activities would be completely incompatible with human rights and international humanitarian law, and the company should cease doing business with Israel.”
Chapman added: “Dana Petroleum is showing complete contempt for Holyrood and Westminster politicians by refusing to engage on their operations and answer important questions about its potential complicity in apartheid and genocide.
“The Scottish Greens are again urging Dana Petroleum to engage with democratically elected officials rather than remaining silent.”
Dana Petroleum have again been approached for comment.
