Ungated Post | 13 Feb 2019
The economic contribution of the UK downstream oil sector
The UK’s downstream oil sector incorporates a range of companies involved in the production, import, distribution and sale of refined oil products such as petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, heating oil, liquid petroleum gas, bitumen and lubricants. In this report we explore the vital role that the downstream oil sector plays within the UK economy.
We start by estimating the contribution to UK GDP and employment the downstream oil sector supports, both directly and through "multiplier effects" supported in the sector’s supply chain and as a result of workers’ spending. On this basis we find that it supported a £21.2 billion contribution to UK GDP in 2016.
We then go on to explore how the downstream sector’s products are used, and the ways in which they enable activity right across the economy, most notably to fuel the transportation of people and goods, and as a vital input in the manufacture of petrochemicals.
Finally, we look ahead to the future and explore the role that firms in the downstream sector are playing in supporting the UK’s transition towards a low-carbon future.
Our economic consulting team are world leaders in quantitative economic analysis, working with clients around the globe and across sectors to build models, forecast markets and evaluate interventions using state-of-the art techniques. Lead consultants on this project were:
Oxford Economics’ team is expert at applying advanced economic tools that provide valuable insights into today’s most pressing business, financial, and policy issues.
To find out more about our capabilities, contact:
EMEA
Andrew P Goodwin
+44 (0)203 910 8050
Email
Americas
Hamilton Galloway
+1 (646) 503 3068
Email
Asia
Christie Tang
+852 3974 8841
Email
Related Services
Post
KPMG M&A Outlook 2026: Between Uncertainty, Resilience, and Seizing Opportunities
Discover how Germany’s M&A landscape is evolving – with a focus on growth, AI and post-merger value creation.
Find Out More
Post
Silver, the next generation metal
This report highlights the critical role silver plays in data centres and artificial intelligence (AI), automotive and electric vehicles (EVs), and solar energy photovoltaics (PVs). With these sectors expected to expand significantly over the coming years, we expect future silver demand to be strong.
Find Out More
Post
Powering the UK Data Boom: The Nuclear Solution to the UK’s Data Centre Energy Crunch
The UK’s data centre sector is expanding rapidly as digitalisation, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) drive surging demand for high-performance computing infrastructure.
Find Out More
