Gas production company NAM is claiming that since it will soon have less say over gas production in Groningen province, it should bear less responsibility for earthquake damages in the region.

The government plans to wind down production by 2030 and NAM CEO Gerald Schotman is arguing the company should have less responsibility for the damages as a result, Trouw reported on Tuesday.

NAM’s reaction will only serve to fuel fears expressed by local and provincial authorities last week about whether NAM or the national government will pay the as yet unknown but certainly large damage claims.

NAM is a joint venture between Shell and ExxonMobil but Shell has already distanced itself from NAM thereby reducing its own responsibility for damages.

Most of the damage caused to property in Groningen has been paid for directly or indirectly by taxpayers, broadcaster NOS said in January. The state has put €750m into damage compensation and preventing further subsidence, while NAM has invested €422m, the broadcaster said, quoting economic affairs ministry figures.

Shell and ExxonMobil split €496m in dividend payments in 2016.