A potential strike by offshore oil workers in the North Sea could cause significant disruption to UK fuel supplies, the Unite union has warned. The industrial action follows a breakdown in pay negotiations between the union and the Texas-based energy firm Apache. Which has been disrupting supplies of crude and refined oil products from the Gulf, consumers have already been grappling with rising fuel and gas prices because of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Unite reported that workers voted “emphatically” in favor of the walkout, labeling Apache’s pay offer unacceptable. The union argued that the proposed increase amounts to a real-terms salary cut for many staff members, despite the company generating what it described as “eye-watering profits.” Additionally, the union claims Apache set strict deadlines regarding back pay, threatening to withhold payments and leaving employees potentially thousands of pounds short.
The dispute involves over 160 offshore staff, including production technicians, electrical specialists, and radio operators. The union indicated that strikes could begin later this month, directly impacting the Forties and Beryl oilfields. Unite stated that the Charlie platform could be forced to a standstill, which might result in the entire Forties pipeline system—responsible for handling nearly one-third of UK oil and gas—shutting down. This disruption risks creating a ripple effect across other North Sea operations.
Apache defended its position, stating it has “engaged constructively throughout the pay discussions.” The company offered a 4% pay increase, asserting that its staff are already among the highest earners in the UK, working an average of 153 days per year offshore. An Apache spokesperson added that the final offer is fair, considers the total rewards package, and aligns with raises given to non-unionized employees earlier this year.
Regarding operational stability, Apache claimed to have contingency plans in place to ensure safety during any industrial action. The company stated it does not expect the strikes to affect other producers using the Forties pipeline system. According to the firm, any pressure reductions caused by the dispute would be comparable to routine maintenance outages, and the company intends to maintain safe operations by utilizing experienced personnel on key sites.
The parent organization, APA Corporation, reported $9.2 billion in revenue and $1.4 billion in after-tax profits for the previous year. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated that the union would not tolerate inadequate pay offers, while industrial officer Stevie Davies warned that any impact on Apache’s platforms would directly hit the Forties pipeline, potentially affecting fuel availability nationwide. On Friday, British motorists were dealt a fresh blow when it emerged that the average price of diesel had climbed to a record £2 a litre.
This development follows earlier industrial disputes, such as the action planned by Neo Next offshore workers, which was averted this summer after a successful deal increased pay packages by over £4,000. Meanwhile, the UK fuel market faces broader challenges, including rising diesel costs and pressure on emergency stockpiles, complicating the potential impact of a local supply interruption. At the same time it was announced that leaders of G7 nations would release up to 100m barrels of their emergency diesel and crude oil stockpiles after Donald Trump threatened to cut off supplies of US diesel. The deal was reached days before workers were due to start a series of strikes from 22 July.
