The UK Government has launched a call for evidence to review the long-term role of the UK’s refining and fuel import sectors.

It will assess the contribution both the domestic and imported refining sectors make to the economy, jobs and skills development, environmental protection as well as the impact of policy on competitiveness.

DECC suggests the UK market is currently well supplied but the Government is considering how the demand for refined oil products is likely to be met over the next few decades. It is seeking input from a wide range of stakeholders who have direct and indirect interest in the downstream oil sector.

Energy Minister Michael Fallon said: “Refined oil products will continue to play an important role in our society as we move to a low carbon economy. The DECC refining review will look at the refined oil product market to ensure it remains resilient and also supports jobs and economic development in the long-term. Gathering good evidence from across industry and other stakeholders is the first step in this process.”

The evidence session will run for eight weeks, with conclusions expected to be published towards the end of the year.

Last week the Government also launched a call for evidence to find a host community for an underground disposal facility for radioactive waste.