Where Does the UK Get Its Gas From? (2025)

With energy prices still well above pre-‘energy crisis’ levels, many people wonder where the UK gets its gas from and how it affects domestic prices.

Gas remains the backbone of Britain’s energy system, heating most homes and fuelling much of its power generation. When global gas markets tighten, the impact shows up quickly in domestic bills and industrial energy costs.

Recent figures from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) indicate that gas demand increased across all major sectors in 2024. It rose by 4.1% for households, 6.3% for services, and 2.5% for industrial sectors. After several years of volatility, consumption is creeping upward again, driven by colder weather, modest economic recovery, and limited progress in efficiency upgrades.

The UK’s own gas production also continues to decline, leaving the country increasingly reliant on imports from Norway, the United States, and other suppliers. This shifting balance raises pressing questions about energy security and cost stability. As the government pushes toward net-zero goals while navigating unpredictable global markets, understanding where Britain’s gas comes from and how its supply chain influences prices has never been more crucial.

Quick Takeaways:

Gas remains central to the UK’s energy mix, powering homes, industries, and electricity generation.
Domestic production is steadily declining, resulting in an increasing reliance on imported gas.
Norway is the UK’s leading supplier through pipelines, while additional imports arrive as LNG from the US, Norway, and Qatar.
Britain’s limited gas storage capacity leaves it more exposed to supply disruptions and price swings than much of Europe.
Gas will continue to play a transitional role for several years, supporting energy security as the UK moves toward a fully renewable future.

Gas From Domestic UK Production

For decades, the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) was the powerhouse of national gas supply. Offshore fields in the North Sea once produced enough to meet nearly all of Britain’s domestic demand, giving the country a rare level of energy independence. That picture has changed dramatically. According to the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES 2025), gas production was down 10% in 2024 due to a decline in the mature North Sea basin.

Domestic output has been falling for over a decade as older fields reach maturity and exploration slows. Factors such as rising maintenance costs and stricter environmental regulations, which make new drilling projects less attractive, also contribute to the decline. Decommissioning older platforms also limits the amount that can be extracted in the near term.

Despite this downward trend, the UK remains an active producer with dozens of operating offshore sites. Domestic production still provides a measure of stability, especially during times of global price turbulence. However, its shrinking contribution means the UK must increasingly rely on imported gas to balance demand. This shift toward dependence has significant implications for both energy security and price resilience.

Gas From Imports Across Europe

Pipeline networks form the backbone of Britain’s imported gas supply. They connect the UK to major producing regions, particularly Norway and continental Europe. These pipelines enable continuous flow and rapid response to changes in demand, making them crucial for the system’s stability.

Norway is by far the UK’s most significant external supplier, accounting for 76% of total imports in 2024. Flows arrive through several key pipelines, including Langeled, which runs directly from Norway’s Ormen Lange field to Easington on the Yorkshire coast, and Vesterled, which links to the St Fergus terminal in Scotland. Combined, these routes provide a dependable supply.

Imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): A Flexible but Costly Option

While pipelines handle the bulk of imported gas, LNG has become an increasingly important part of the UK’s supply. Unlike pipeline gas, LNG enables Britain to source fuel from around the world, providing the system with flexibility when European flows become tight. The gas is cooled to a liquid, shipped across oceans, and converted back into vapour at coastal terminals before entering the grid.

The UK’s three main terminals, Isle of Grain in Kent, and South Hook and Dragon at Milford Haven in Wales, can process billions of cubic metres each year. These facilities make the UK one of Europe’s top LNG importers, and a key gateway for gas moving between global and European markets.

In 2024, LNG imports decreased by approximately 47% compared to the previous year, reflecting weaker winter demand and increased availability of cheaper pipeline gas from Norway. Even so, LNG remains a vital backstop for the system. Most UK cargoes come from the United States, with Norway and Qatar following closely behind.

This flexibility comes at a price. LNG is more expensive to process and transport, and its availability depends on global market competition. When demand in Asia spikes, UK buyers must pay a premium to secure shipments.

Gas from Storage Facilities

According to a report on the Security of Supply, the UK has eight gas storage facilities. Although they’re not a traditional form of supply, they act as a source of system flexibility when responding to short-term changes in supply and demand.

Gas storage is one of the UK’s most significant weaknesses in energy security. While other European nations maintain reserves capable of meeting demand for months, Britain’s storage capacity can cover only a few days of peak consumption. This limited buffer leaves the system exposed to price shocks when imports tighten or weather conditions push demand higher.

To compensate, the UK relies heavily on interconnectors that link its grid to Belgium and the Netherlands. These bidirectional pipelines allow gas to flow in during shortages and out when Britain has an excess supply. While this arrangement improves flexibility, it also ties the UK’s energy stability to the dynamics of the European market.

The lack of larger storage capacity leaves Britain vulnerable to seasonal price swings and supply disruptions, particularly during extreme winters.

Price Pressures Due to Where the UK Gets Its Gas From

The UK’s dependence on imported gas links domestic prices directly to movements in global energy markets. When wholesale gas prices rise in Europe, the effects quickly ripple through to UK consumers. This connection became clear during the 2022 energy crisis, when international supply disruptions led to record-high UK wholesale prices. Although prices have since eased, they remain far above pre-crisis levels.

A significant reason for this sustained pressure is the structure of Britain’s gas mix. Roughly half of all supply now comes from abroad, leaving the market exposed to currency fluctuations, shipping delays, and competitive bidding for LNG cargoes. Since the UK’s storage capacity is limited, suppliers must often purchase gas on short notice, locking in higher spot prices.

Even pipeline imports from Norway are not immune to volatility. When maintenance or outages occur on North Sea infrastructure, reduced flow can lead to price increases across the network. These overlapping pressures explain why UK gas prices closely track global movements, and why achieving long-term price stability will depend on both demand reduction and diversification of supply.

Future Outlook on Where the UK Gets Its Gas From

Priorities like energy security, affordability, and climate goals will shape the future of the UK’s gas system. Each pulls in a different direction. Policymakers must maintain a reliable supply while cutting emissions and managing costs for households and businesses.

The government’s Clean Power 2030 strategy aims to reduce dependence on gas-fired generation by expanding renewables and nuclear capacity. However, even in the most optimistic scenarios, gas remains critical to powering and heating GB, especially in winter. It provides flexibility when wind and solar output dip, and serves as a backup during seasonal peaks.

To strengthen resilience, there is a need for expanded storage capacity, greater interconnection with Europe, and continued support for domestic exploration where environmentally feasible. At the same time, hydrogen blending and carbon capture projects can make the remaining gas use cleaner.

The table below shows how several scenarios can shape Britain’s gas supply in the years ahead:

Scenario	Likely Outcome	Implications
Decline in domestic output	More imports needed	Higher reliance on Norway and LNG
Expansion of storage	Improved resilience	Costly, politically sensitive
Growth of clean power (Clean Power 2030)	Reduced gas demand	Less exposure to imports, greater stability
Hydrogen and low-carbon gases	Gradual blending into networks	Long-term infrastructure changes
Global LNG growth	More suppliers available	Increased diversification, but volatile

Will the UK Transition From Gas to 100% Renewables?

Reaching a fully renewable energy system is one of the UK’s long-term ambitions, but it remains a complex challenge. Gas continues to play a significant role in heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes, making a complete shift away from it unlikely in the immediate future.

The share of renewable electricity generation in 2024 was 50.4%, marking the first time that renewables had accounted for more than half of total generation. Offshore wind alone accounts for more than a quarter of national power generation, and new capacity continues to expand. However, renewables are variable by nature, depending on weather and daylight, which means gas still provides vital backup when output dips.

Government targets under the Net Zero Strategy aim to achieve a fully decarbonised electricity grid by 2035, not necessarily a 100% renewable one. That vision still includes low-carbon options such as nuclear energy, hydrogen, and gas plants equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Over time, greater investment in energy storage, interconnectors, and smart grid systems will help the UK rely less on fossil fuels. However, gas will continue to play an essential role as we move towards a low-carbon economy. It will be a transitional fuel for at least another decade, ensuring reliability while the renewable infrastructure and supporting technologies mature.

Final Thoughts on Where the UK Gets Its Gas From

The UK’s gas system is evolving under pressure from both external and domestic forces. Production in the North Sea continues to decline, thereby increasing the country’s reliance on imports from Norway and the global LNG market. That reliance brings flexibility but also exposure to volatile prices, shipping constraints, and geopolitical risks.

At the same time, demand is rising again after several years of contraction. Gas use increased in the domestic, service and industry sectors in 2024, signalling that the transition to lower-carbon alternatives remains a work in progress. With limited storage capacity, the UK is still more vulnerable than its European neighbours to sudden supply shocks or cold spells.

Looking ahead, the balance between security, cost, and sustainability will define Britain’s energy future. Expanding renewable generation and electrification can gradually reduce dependence on imported gas, while better storage and diversified supply chains can cushion short-term volatility.

Gas will remain essential for power generation and heating for years to come, but its role is shifting from cornerstone to contingency. The challenge now is to manage that transition smoothly, keeping homes warm, prices stable, and the path toward a cleaner, more resilient energy system firmly on track.

FAQs on Where the UK Gets Its Gas From

Does The UK Import Gas From Russia?

No. The UK now imports virtually no gas from Russia. Most of Britain’s external supply comes from Norway, the United States (via LNG), and other global suppliers. Some prior reliance on Russian LNG has been phased out.

What Percentage Of The UK’s Gas Is Imported?

Around half of the UK’s total gas supply is imported, a proportion that has grown as domestic production has declined over recent years.

Who Is The UK’s Biggest Gas Supplier?

Norway is the largest supplier, providing most of Britain’s pipeline imports via the Langeled and Vesterled routes.

Why Is UK Gas So Expensive?

Gas prices in the UK are closely tied to global wholesale markets. When supply tightens, LNG costs rise, and currency weakening occurs, domestic bills feel the impact. Since the UK has limited storage, it often buys on short notice at spot rates.

How Much Gas Storage Does The UK Have?

The UK has eight gas storage facilities that act as a source of system flexibility when responding to short-term changes in supply and demand.

Does The UK Export Gas While Importing It?

Yes. The UK’s interconnectors with Belgium and the Netherlands enable gas to flow in both directions. Britain often exports surplus gas in summer and imports during winter when domestic demand peaks.

Sources and References

GOV.UK – UK ENERGY IN BRIEF 2025

GOV.UK – Digest of UK Energy Statistics

Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) – Statutory Security of Supply Report 2024

GOV.UK – Clean Power 2030 Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity – main report