Fossil fuel consumption in the UK - statistics & facts

Fossil fuels are fuels formed over millions of years by decomposition and compression of dead plant and animal matter. They are deemed non-renewable due to the timespan needed for each fuel type to be formed. Petroleum, coal, and natural gas are the most commonly used fossil fuels and also the main source of primary energy consumed. In the United Kingdom, the share of fossil fuels, particularly coal, used for energy production has fallen in recent years. However, their application is still deemed indispensable in many industries.

Indigenous production still accounts for greatest supply share

In 2020, the UK ranked fourteenth in a list of countries with highest primary energy consumption, at some 6.89 exajoules. This was the lowest consumption volume the UK had seen for many decades and indicative of a wider trend in reduced fossil fuel usage and greater production efficiency. It was also the result of a continued strive by the government to decrease coal consumption, which fell to below 0.3 exajoules. Among only a handful of European oil producing countries, the UK mainly relied on indigenous production for its supply of petroleum. This was despite decreasing output in recent years. Norway is the greatest exporter of both crude oil and natural gas to the UK, thanks in part to a robust pipeline network.

Consumer prices

Consumers have been confronted with ever increasing prices for electricity, gas, and other fuels. In January 2019, a price cap was introduced by the government to ensure a ceiling on tariffs. However, that year still saw the consumer index grow to 111.7 relative to the base year 2015. In 2020, in part because of the coronavirus pandemic, the index fell to 106.5. Meanwhile, the average price of fuel bought by major power producers increased towards the end of 2020, with coal continuously the cheapest option out of all fossil fuels.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Jessica Aizarani, Aug 31, 2023

Key insights

Most consumed primary fuel type worldwide
Oil
Country with highest primary energy consumption worldwide
China
Primary energy consumption in the UK
7.31 EJ
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Primary consumption

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