UK Relies on a Single Country For Nearly Half its Gas

01 Jun UK Relies on a Single Country For Nearly Half its Gas

Britain produced less energy in 2025 than at any point in recorded history, according to official government data published today, a record low that comes as the country remains heavily reliant on imports and depends on a single foreign supplier for the majority of its gas. The figures, published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), show UK energy production fell for the third consecutive year to 94 million tonnes of oil equivalent — down 68% from the peak in 1999 and the lowest level in the published data series. Net import dependency held almost unchanged at 43.5% in 2025, meaning more than four in every ten units of energy consumed in Britain was produced abroad.

Most striking is the UK’s exposure to a single gas supplier. Norway accounts for nearly 70% of all UK gas imports, and is equivalent to 47% of total UK gas demand. Domestic gas production continued its long decline, falling a further 3.3% to 332 TWh, the lowest output since the early 1970s, and covering less than half of what the country consumes. The US remained the largest source of liquefied natural gas (LNG), accounting for 76% of LNG imports and 15% of total demand, a dependency that raises its own questions given ongoing volatility in global LNG markets.

The decline in domestic energy production is not, in isolation, cause for alarm, reducing fossil fuel output is consistent with the UK’s net zero ambitions. But analysts warn that substituting domestic production with import dependency is not a transition strategy. True energy security in a net zero context requires accelerated investment in domestic renewable infrastructure: wind, solar and grid-scale storage that reduces reliance on both domestic fossil fuels and foreign gas suppliers alike.

John Haw, CEO of UK energy procurement firm Fidelity Energy, said: “These figures should focus minds. The UK is producing less of its own energy than at any point in living memory, while remaining deeply reliant on a small number of foreign suppliers for its gas. Norway is a stable partner, but 70% exposure to any single source is a vulnerability that doesn’t simply go away because the relationship is currently strong.”
“The fall in domestic production is actually the right direction of travel for net zero, the problem is what’s replacing it. Imports from Norway keep the lights on today, but they don’t build the infrastructure that gives us price stability tomorrow. The businesses that will be best insulated from energy cost volatility in five years’ time are the ones investing in renewable solutions now, not waiting for the market to sort itself out.”

Total UK energy consumption fell 1.4% in 2025, with industrial consumption recording its lowest level in the published data series, down 6% year-on-year. While reduced industrial demand eases some pressure on supply, analysts note it may also reflect the broader cost burden weighing on the UK’s manufacturing and industrial base. Related News