2. United Kingdom
Production (1,000 b/d): 879.7
Proven reserves (millions of barrels): 2,755
Years of production left at current level: 8 years
2015 import of crude oil (1,000 b/d): 856.2
2015 import of petroleum products (1,000 b/d): 652.4
After a short stagnation period between 2012 and 2014, United Kingdom’s oil production seems to be ramping up again. OPEC estimates that production in 2015 has been increased by more than 13% compared to 2014. With the expected start of exploitation of Mariner oilfield in 2018, the figure should remain stable, despite the depletion of oil fields currently in use. However, UK’s problems aren’t geological, but rather political. With the unexpected vote on Brexit, there are renewed clamoring for Scottish independence, which could bring up the issue of ownership of North Sea oil fields.
