The Secretary of State for Scotland will discuss the impact of falling oil prices on a visit to Aberdeen to meet staff from Norwegian oil company Statoil.
Alistair Carmichael said visiting the North East was a “high priority” during what he described as a “challenging time” for the sector.
His visit comes after Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to support the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Mr Carmichael said: “I’ve made visiting the North East – Scotland’s oil and gas hub – a high priority for the new year as there can be no doubt, we are in the midst of challenging times for the industry.
“As the Prime Minister said today oil and gas is one of our vital industries.
“This is why the impact of falling oil prices on the industry and the wider economy was featured in the first meeting of the Cabinet in 2015.
“The package of allowances and tax reliefs the UK Government unveiled as part of last month’s Autumn Statement reflects this close working relationship with the industry and the action we are taking now to help ensure it continues to thrive and contribute to our economy.
“Equally we are also working to ensure communities and families everywhere in the country should feel the benefits of the lower oil price in other areas too – not least in their energy bills and at the petrol pump”.
The Scottish Secretary will be meeting the UK management team of Statoil and visit the site of their new offices in Kingswells which are expected to be completed in 2016.
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