The United Kingdom is experiencing a sharp decline in domestic gas production, now at a 50‑year low. Official statistics show that British gas output fell 10 % between 2023 and 2024, reaching its lowest level since 1973. National Gas UK, the country’s gas‑grid operator, predicts a further 6 % drop in domestic production this winter compared with last year. As a result, the UK will rely increasingly on imports, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) expected to rise by 7 % to help meet demand.
Norway will remain the UK’s main gas supplier, providing roughly 36 % of winter needs, while domestic production will account for only 33 %. The global LNG market is projected to cover about 24 % of the country’s gas requirements. The ban on Russian LNG imports, which took effect in January 2023, has added to the supply crunch.
National Gas UK has highlighted LNG as a key source for the upcoming winter and is undertaking a major re‑engineering of the national gas grid to adapt to the shifting supply landscape. The operator has warned that tight margins are expected for winter 2025/2026, citing the continued decline in output from the UK Continental Shelf.
The growing dependence on LNG underscores the vulnerability of Britain’s gas supply, especially during periods of high demand such as cold snaps. Natural gas powers roughly 40 % of the UK’s electricity and heats 28 million households, making a stable supply essential for energy security. Policymakers and industry leaders are therefore focused on ensuring a diverse and reliable energy mix as the country navigates its evolving energy landscape.
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