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Oil

This section covers how the oil industry is regulated and how we consult with the industry to ensure the best possible environmental management of this resource

Heating and distribution

Oil is used as a heating fuel in hundreds of thousands of domestic premises and over 800,000 industrial and commercial sites.

Over 200 companies are involved in oil distribution. The UK oil industry employs over 140,000 people and petroleum products supply about a third of the primary energy used in the UK.

Waste pollution

Oil is the most commonly reported cause of waste pollution. We record over 5,000 incidents annually.

Even a small quantity can cause a lot of damage to the environment and threaten human health.

The oil bank line website gives advice on oil storage, use and disposal; to minimise pollution.

  • What you must do

    Read guidance on the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 and find out more about how the oil industry is regulated

  • Good practice

    Read our good practice guidance accross a range of industries

  • Further information

    Find out more about waste oil standards