Miner BHP starts talks to exit oil and gas industry

Firm says merging its hydrocarbon business with Australian producer Woodside Petroleum is one option

The mining multinational BHP has begun talks to exit the oil and gas industry by merging its hydrocarbon business with Australia's top independent gas producer, Woodside Petroleum.

BHP said a merger with Woodside was one of the options being evaluated as part of a strategic review of its oil and gas business, and its place in the company's long-term portfolio.