Economics

Exxon to Quit Russian Oil Ventures Frozen by U.S. Sanctions

  • Decision unwinds former CEO Tillerson’s crowning achievement
  • Withdrawal to result in after-tax loss of $200 million

A worker passes an illuminated oil drilling rig and drill pipes, operated by Rosneft PJSC, in the Samotlor oilfield near Nizhnevartovsk, Russia.

Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg
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Exxon Mobil Corp. said it’s abandoning joint ventures with Russia’s Rosneft PJSC after international sanctions against the nation’s energy sector paralyzed a historic drilling project.

Exxon’s decision to quit its biggest exploration region was made late last year as the U.S. expanded sanctions, the company said in a 10-k filing on Wednesday. “The corporation expects it will formally initiate the withdrawal in 2018,” Exxon said.