An Overview of the UK Petroleum Industry 

The UK Petroleum industry (also referred to as the downstream sector) consists of refining and blending, storage, distribution and retail sale of petroleum products. 

The industry is made up of over 200 companies (8,600 including retail forecourts).  The main product of the downstream sector is transport fuel (aviation kerosene, diesel and unleaded petrol) which can amount to 60% of refinery output. 

There are eight major crude oil refineries operating in the UK, which supply the bulk (little under 90%) of national demand for petroleum products. Companies range from large multinationals, two supermarket chains and independent retailers.

For a more detailed picture of the petroleum industry download the factsheet.

Petroleum