The Role of Oil and Gas in Manchester Today
Greater Manchester is pushing hard toward a low-carbon future, yet oil and gas remain essential to daily life across the region. Millions of homes rely on gas boilers for heating, the logistics sector depends on diesel and petrol, and industrial manufacturers need gas for high-temperature processes. The North West is also home to one of the UK's most important refineries and a gas network that serves millions of customers.
What makes the region particularly interesting is how many of its oil and gas businesses are reinventing themselves. Hydrogen, carbon capture and lower-carbon fuels are becoming central to their strategies, creating a sector in transition rather than decline.
Why the North West Is an Energy Powerhouse
The combination of the Manchester Ship Canal, major ports on the Mersey, dense industrial clusters in Cheshire and a large urban population makes the North West a natural hub for fuel production, storage and distribution. Its geology also offers potential for carbon storage beneath Liverpool Bay, a key element of the region's decarbonisation plans.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies in Manchester
1. Cadent Gas
Cadent owns and operates the gas distribution network serving the North West, including Greater Manchester. It maintains thousands of miles of pipes and is actively testing hydrogen blending and conversion projects that could reshape how homes are heated.
2. EET Fuels
EET Fuels operates the Stanlow refinery in Cheshire, one of the largest in the UK. Stanlow produces a significant share of the country's road fuels and is investing in hydrogen production and carbon capture to reduce its emissions.
3. Centrica
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, is one of the UK's most influential energy businesses. Its engineers maintain boilers and gas appliances across Manchester, and the company is investing in storage, flexible generation and hydrogen-ready infrastructure.
4. Star Energy
Formerly known as IGas, Star Energy has a long history of onshore oil and gas production in the UK, including operations in the North West. The company is increasingly focused on geothermal energy and repurposing its expertise for low-carbon heat.
5. National Gas
National Gas operates the high-pressure transmission system that carries gas across Britain, including into the North West. Its work on future hydrogen pipelines could prove critical to regional decarbonisation.
6. Progressive Energy
Progressive Energy is a key developer behind the HyNet North West project. Its expertise in low-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture positions it at the forefront of the region's industrial transition.
7. Wood
Wood is a global engineering and consultancy business with a strong North West presence. It provides engineering, project management and decommissioning services to oil and gas operators, as well as supporting new energy projects.
8. Certas Energy
Certas Energy is one of the UK's largest fuel distributors, supplying heating oil, diesel, lubricants and fuel cards to businesses and homes. Its depots serve agricultural, haulage and industrial customers across the North West.
9. Shell
Shell has a long association with the North West through its historic involvement at Stanlow and an extensive retail forecourt network across Greater Manchester. It continues to supply fuels and lubricants while developing electric vehicle charging services.
10. Cuadrilla Resources
Lancashire-based Cuadrilla became widely known for its exploration activities in the North West. Although its operations have changed significantly in recent years, its story remains an important part of the debate around UK energy security.
Industry Trends: From Fossil Fuels to Low-Carbon Energy
The biggest trend is diversification. Refiners are exploring sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen, network operators are preparing pipes for alternative gases, and engineering firms are applying their skills to offshore wind and carbon capture. Safety, regulatory compliance and community engagement remain top priorities, particularly for projects near residential areas.
Workforce skills are also transferring. Many engineers who once worked solely in oil and gas are now applying their expertise to cleaner energy projects, helping the region retain valuable technical talent.
Choosing an Energy Partner for Your Business
If your business relies on fuel or gas supply, consider reliability, price stability, delivery coverage and the supplier's sustainability roadmap. Many providers now offer lower-carbon fuel blends, efficiency audits and support for moving to alternative technologies over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will gas boilers be phased out in Manchester? Government policy is encouraging a gradual shift toward low-carbon heating such as heat pumps and heat networks. Existing boilers can continue to be used, but households replacing old systems are increasingly considering cleaner alternatives.
What is HyNet North West? HyNet is a regional programme to produce low-carbon hydrogen, transport and store captured carbon dioxide and supply cleaner fuel to industry. It is one of the UK's leading industrial decarbonisation clusters and is expected to create significant employment.
How do fuel distributors support local businesses? Distributors provide reliable deliveries of heating oil, diesel and lubricants, plus fuel cards and tank monitoring that help farms, hauliers and construction firms manage costs.
Conclusion
Oil and gas companies continue to play a vital role in keeping Manchester moving and warm. The organisations listed above are not only meeting today's energy demand but also investing in hydrogen, carbon capture and new technologies that will shape the North West's energy system for decades to come.