Petroleum Refining in the UK - Market Research Report (2013-2028)
London, United Kingdom
Last Updated: September 2023
SIC C19.201Revenue
£55.5bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
£X.Xbn
Employees
8,306
Businesses
16
Wages
£XXX.Xm
Petroleum Refining in the UK industry analysis
A number of petroleum refiners have altered their production to focus on diesel as the new primary fuel. Diesel is more fuel efficient than petrol and until recently was considered more environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, both petrol and diesel face rising competition from alternatively fuelled vehicles due to their reduced emissions, lowering demand for industry products.Industry revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.7% over the five years through 2023-24 to £55.5 billion, including forecast growth of 4.1% in 2023-24. The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant contraction in demand for fuel. Global border and travel restrictions took a toll on both demand and fuel prices, weighing on revenue and profitability for refiners, but this trend was reversed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to the United Kingdom and other major economies announcing they will wean themselves off Russian oil, leading to a sharp and sustained rise in oil prices. Strong oil price inflation translated into higher value sales for industry players, paving the way for a strong recovery.Industry revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.8% over the five years through 2028-29 to £70.2 billion. Demand for petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles is set to fall due to government initiatives designed to reduce emissions, including the extension of Clean Air Zones and the banning of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Demand for pure electric vehicles will continue to climb, presenting a significant threat to fuel demand.
Trends and Insights
- Global events jolt oil prices. The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have brought about significant volatility in the oil market, inciting huge fluctuations in revenue.
- The rise of clean energy hits sales. Government initiatives for clean air, increasing awareness of diesel's health impacts and a surge in the popularity of biodiesel are pushing down demand for petroleum.
- Yorkshire's attributes magnetise refiners. It provides favourable business conditions, proximity to key markets and the potential for future expansion – especially in biofuel refining.
- When it comes to competition, price reigns supreme. Companies aim to get hold of crude oil as cheaply as possible, as low input costs let them charge lower prices while maintaining high returns, giving them an advantage in the market.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2013-2028)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 2.7 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated £55.5bn in 2023.
Trends and Insights
Global events bring about huge volatility in oil prices
- The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in the enforcement of nationwide lockdowns across the globe with governments also issuing orders to stay at home, taking a toll on car usage levels and demand for fuel.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
The UK government continues to reduce CO2 emissions
- The first tighter emission zone, known as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), was introduced in Central London in April 2019.
Biggest companies in the Petroleum Refining in the UK
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue (£m)
2024 |
|---|---|---|
Essar Oil UK Ltd | 10,905.6 | |
Phillips 66 Ltd | 10,502.1 | |
Esso Petroleum Company Ltd | 9,837.2 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 6 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Petrol, Diesel and Jet fuel. Petrol is the largest segment of the Petroleum Refining in the UK.
Trends and Insights
Demand for petrol suffers in the face of falling vehicle registrations
- The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that the number of petrol car registrations in the year to August 2022 fell by 19.2%.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Hard Coal Mining in the UK
Complementors
- Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas Extraction in the UK
International industries
- Petroleum Refining in the US
- Organic Chemical Manufacturing in the US
- Activated Carbon Manufacturing in the US
- Petroleum Refining in Canada
- Organic Chemical Manufacturing in Canada
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Petroleum refining is the process of turning crude oil into more usable products such as petrol. The major oil refineries manufacture petrol, diesel, jet fuel, gas oil and petroleum gas. The refining process also leads to the production of by-products such as naphtha, which can be used as a solvent. Companies in this industry also manufacture a range of petroleum-based products such as petroleum jelly, paraffin wax and white spirit.
What's included in this industry?
PetrolDieselJet fuelGas oilFuel oilLPGRefinery gasBiofuelsCompanies
Essar Oil UK LtdPhillips 66 LtdEsso Petroleum Company LtdPurchase this report to view all 6 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
DISTILLATIONCRACKINGFUEL OILPETROLEUM GASESNAPHTHABIOFUELBRENT CRUDEIndustry Code
SIC 19.20/1 - Petroleum Refining in the UK
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Global events jolt oil prices. The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have brought about significant volatility in the oil market, inciting huge fluctuations ...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Employees, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Businesses, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Profit, including historical (2013-2023)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
The rise of clean energy hits sales. Government initiatives for clean air, increasing awareness of diesel's health impacts and a surge in the popularity of biodiesel are push...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
- International Trade
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2023
- Product innovation level
- Total imports, level and trend
- Total exports, level and trend
- Trade Balance
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2023
- Major market segmentation in 2023
- International trade, including imports by country and exports by country
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
- Recent trends in import and export volumes, country of origin or destination, and expected future trends
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Yorkshire's attributes magnetise refiners. It provides favourable business conditions, proximity to key markets and the potential for future expansion – especially in biofuel...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2023
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each region in 2023
- Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of employees in each region in 2023
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across Europe, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
When it comes to competition, price reigns supreme. Companies aim to get hold of crude oil as cheaply as possible, as low input costs let them charge lower prices while maint...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2018-2023
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Phillips 66 cements its position with a number of new deals. The company's 16-year agreement with CLH Pipeline System and acquisition of NJB Enterprises boosted its presence ...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2019 through 2023
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2023
- Overview of Essar Oil UK Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Phillips 66 Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Esso Petroleum Company Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 3 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Essar Oil UK Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Phillips 66 Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Esso Petroleum Company Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 3 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Petroleum refiners receive no public support. However, they can turn to industry group the UK Petroleum Industry Association for representation and lobbying efforts.
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Surging oil prices help profit bounce back. The hike in petroleum prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine has compensated for COVID-19 losses, driving strong revenue ga...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2021)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2021)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2021)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2021)
- Assets (2017-2021)
- Liabilities (2017-2021)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Employee (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Employees per Establishment (2013-2028)
- Employees per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Average Wage (2013-2028)
- Wages/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- IVA/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Imports/Demand (2013-2028)
- Exports/Revenue (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2013-2028)
- IVA (2013-2028)
- Establishments (2013-2028)
- Enterprises (2013-2028)
- Employment (2013-2028)
- Exports (2013-2028)
- Imports (2013-2028)
- Wages (2013-2028)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the UK include:
- Office for National Statistics
- Office for Budget Responsibility
- Bank of England
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom in 2024?
The market size of the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom is £55.5bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in 2023?
There are 16 businesses in the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom, which has grown at a CAGR of 4.2 % between 2018 and 2023.
Has the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom has been growing at a CAGR of 2.7 % between 2018 and 2023.
What is the forecast growth of the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Petroleum Refining in the UK market in United Kingdom?
The biggest companies operating in the Petroleum Refining market in United Kingdom are Essar Oil UK Ltd, Phillips 66 Ltd and Esso Petroleum Company Ltd
What does the Petroleum Refining in the UK in United Kingdom include?
Petrol and Diesel are part of the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Petroleum Refining in the UK in United Kingdom?
The company holding the most market share in United Kingdom is Essar Oil UK Ltd.
How competitive is the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom?
The level of competition is high and increasing in the Petroleum Refining in the UK industry in United Kingdom.
