Oil liquids imports in the UK 2023, by country

Norway is the main supplier of both crude oil and natural gas liquids for the United Kingdom. In 2023, some 14.6 million metric tons of crude oil were imported from the U.S. - meaning the Scandinavian country recover its position as long-running main supplier from the United States. Nigeria, Libya, and Algeria round out the top five origin countries. In 2022, crude oil and NGL imports in the UK totaled around 43 million metric tons.

Leading export destinations

As an exporter, the UK sold more crude oil to the Netherlands than any other country. In 2023, exports to the Benelux country stood at nearly 11.7 million metric tons. This figure also includes crude oil volumes meant for transshipment or in transit to other destinations, like Belgium and Germany. 

Production of crude oil at home

In 2023, the crude oil production in the UK amounted to 715,000 barrels per day. This was a decrease compared to the previous year and the lowest production volume since the country discovered offshore reservoirs. The UK has begun decommissioning many of its North Sea oil platforms and will continue doing so in the coming years. By 2030, the projected UK oil production is set to fall to some 26 million metric tons of oil equivalent.