Written Question·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·UIN 66047

Oil: Refineries

Tabled: 8 July 2025
Answered: 11 July 2025
Named Day

Question

Graham Leadbitter

Scottish National PartyMoray West, Nairn and Strathspey

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much (a) has been spent to date and (b) he expects to spend on measures to continue the operation of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery.

Answer

Michael Shanks

As I sent out in my Written Ministerial Statement on 1 July 2025, the Government is providing the Official Receiver with short-term funding to cover the essential operating costs of the refinery as a result of the unexpected insolvency of the company. The final operating cost will depend on market conditions and the strategy adopted by the Official Receiver, and this will be subject to close scrutiny and governance by the Government and the insolvency office holders. This funding is necessary to provide the Official Receiver with the necessary tools to fulfil their statutory duties and to avoid an immediate, unsafe shutdown of the refinery.