The UK oil and gas industry

This pack has been prepared ahead of the debate to be held in Westminster Hall at 9.30am on Tuesday 24 February 2020 on the UK oil and gas industry. The debate will be opened by Andrew Bowie MP.

The oil and gas industry is well-established in the UK, historically focusing on exploiting conventional oil and gas fields, both onshore and offshore.  

• The UK was formally a net exporter of oil and gas, but is now a net importer.   
• Oil and gas made up 75% of the energy supplied in the UK in 2018. 
• In 2018, net imports made up 13% of the oil the UK used, with the remainder from domestic production. 

• Net imports of natural gas were 50% of UK supply in the same year. 
• The majority of oil, 77% of final consumption, is refined for use in transport. 
• Just over one third of the UKs total gas is used for domestic heating, and just under one third for electricity generation. Other major users are industry and business. 
• The UK is also a net importer of petroleum products (in total) such as petrol, diesel and heating oils. 

This paper provides a brief overview of the industry and relevant issues, recent parliamentary comment and other press releases and articles.