The UK government has dismissed calls from the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) trade body to increase domestic oil and gas production, emphasising the need to transition away from fossil fuels. The industry group warned that failing to boost North Sea output would leave the UK more reliant on imports amid global instability.
OEUK argued that domestic production has a lower emissions footprint than imported liquefied natural gas and is essential for energy security. However, a government spokesperson countered that new licences would not reduce bills or provide energy security, stating: “The only way to truly protect ourselves from these price spikes is to get off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets.”
The trade body’s annual report highlighted that UK gas import reliance could rise from 14% last year to over a quarter by 2030, and nearly half by 2035. OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse stressed that “energy security means backing homegrown oil and gas alongside renewables” and called for a stable tax regime.
Despite the government’s rebuff, OEUK noted that oil and gas still meet about 75% of UK energy needs and will account for roughly a fifth of demand in 2050 under net zero plans. The group’s energy policy director, Enrique Cornejo, warned against offshoring emissions by ceasing domestic production.
