he UK must “urgently” boost its domestic oil and gas production from the North Sea, an industry body has asserted, citing environmental and energy security concerns.

Analysis by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) suggests that gas extracted from the North Sea carries a lower emissions footprint compared to imported liquified natural gas (LNG).

A new report from OEUK is urging the British Government to support domestic oil and gas extraction, including new North Sea drilling, alongside renewable energy initiatives to safeguard the nation’s energy supply.

The organisation’s 2026 business outlook report on the UK’s offshore energy system contends that the country will continue to require substantial volumes of oil and gas for decades, even as renewable energy adoption accelerates.

The report warns that without increased domestic production, the UK risks growing dependence on energy imports at a time of heightened global instability.

While offshore wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen production are set for expanded roles, oil and gas currently fulfil approximately 75 per cent of the UK’s energy needs and are projected to meet around a fifth of demand by 2050, according to the researchers.

Read More: UK warned it must ‘urgently’ drill in North Sea to boost oil and gas supplies