The UK oil and gas industry

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.