The Danish government has been forced to deny media reports that it has reached a deal with Maersk Oil on North Sea operations.
Several outlets had cited anonymous sources as saying the state had agreed to improved fiscal terms that would allow the operator to continue operations at Denmark’s largest gas field, Tyra.
But Finance Minister Kristian Jensen later denied the claims publicly.
She said: “There is no deal with Maersk.”
Maersk are reportedly hunting for a deal as it seeks to focus on North Sea operations.
A Maersk Oil spokesman said: “Discussions with the government are continuing.
“We have no further update at this time.”