North Sea strikes could severely disrupt UK fuel supplies, union warns
News Source
β’Mon, 19 Oct 2026 17:39:13 GMT
π° What Happened
More than 160 offshore workers plan a 24-hour strike from Wednesday. The Unite union says it could "severely disrupt" UK fuel supplies. The walkout covers five Apache platforms tied to the Forties Pipeline System.
That pipeline carries about 30 percent of UK oil production. A halt could drop pressure across the network. A 48-hour strike by Wood Group workers on Harbour Energy platforms was already set to start on Tuesday.
π The Backstory
Pay talks with Apache are due to continue on Wednesday through Acas, a mediation service. Unite expects the strike to go ahead at 6am because it says the company has shown no willingness to settle.
North Sea output has been falling for years. Oil firms have cut investment, blaming taxes and government energy policy. Older platforms and fewer staff make each stoppage more costly.
π― Why It Matters
Fuel disruptions reach drivers and bills fast. The dispute also shows how fragile UK energy supply has become.
More than 160 offshore workers plan a 24-hour strike from Wednesday. The Unite union says it could "severely disrupt" UK fuel supplies. The walkout covers five Apache platforms tied to the Forties Pipeline System.
That pipeline carries about 30 percent of UK oil production. A halt could drop pressure across the network. A 48-hour strike by Wood Group workers on Harbour Energy platforms was already set to start on Tuesday.
Pay talks with Apache are due to continue on Wednesday through Acas, a mediation service. Unite expects the strike to go ahead at 6am because it says the company has shown no willingness to settle.
North Sea output has been falling for years. Oil firms have cut investment, blaming taxes and government energy policy. Older platforms and fewer staff make each stoppage more costly.
Fuel disruptions reach drivers and bills fast. The dispute also shows how fragile UK energy supply has become.