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Petrochemicals: Trade Competitiveness

Asked by Justin MaddersLabourDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 27 February 2026UIN 113390

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the competitiveness of the UK's refined petroleum industry.

Answered by Martin McCluskey

The Government recognises the challenges facing the refining sector in the UK. The Government continues to engage with the fuel industry to explore what steps can be taken to further support the sector, including considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the future.

The government has just launched a call for evidence to shape the UK’s long-term strategy for the downstream oil sector. This will gather industry views on the opportunities and barriers to transition, issues and risks to energy security and what Government support may be needed to promote a managed transition.

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