Public support for the windfall tax on oil and gas companies remains strong in Scotland with more than twice as many people backing the levy as opposing it, according to new polling.
The survey found 41% of Scots support the Energy Profit Levy while 19% oppose it suggesting the policy retains broad public backing despite industry pressure to scrap it.
The tax was introduced in May 2022 after record profits across the oil and gas sector following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the surge in global energy prices.
The latest polling comes as wholesale energy costs have risen sharply again with prices up around 30% year on year amid conflict in the Middle East.
Energy companies have also seen their share prices climb more than 7% in the past month significantly outperforming the wider FTSE 100.
Campaigners say that contrast between rising corporate profits and pressure on household budgets continues to shape public opinion.
Simon Francis coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition said: “Despite the intense lobbying by the oil and gas industry – and their political allies – the Windfall Tax retains the support of the public.”
He added: “It’s no surprise that twice as many Scots are in favour of the windfall tax than oppose it.”
The research by Survation surveyed more than 2,000 adults across Scotland and found support cutting across political lines.
Among constituency voters support was strongest among Liberal Democrat voters at 59% followed by Labour at 54% and the SNP at 49%.
Even among Conservative voters 37% backed the levy compared with 35% who opposed it.
Reform UK voters were more evenly split with 31% supporting the tax and 30% against.
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