Lindsey Oil Refinery Insolvent, Hundreds Jobs At Risk UK

The Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Lincolnshire, one of the UK's largest and among the few remaining major refineries, has collapsed into insolvency under its parent company Prax Group, threatening over 400 direct jobs and up to 2,500 jobs across related operations. The UK government, led by Energy Minister Michael Shanks, has demanded an immediate investigation into the directors' conduct following concerns that Prax failed to provide adequate financial transparency despite repeated requests, with the refinery losing around £75 million since its 2021 acquisition from Total. Trade union Unite has called for urgent government intervention to protect workers and maintain fuel supplies, warning that current policies have left the UK oil industry on a precarious edge. The insolvency raises significant concerns about the country's energy security and risks pushing the UK closer toward dangerous import dependency amid ongoing refinery closures. The government is working with the Insolvency Service and appointed firms to manage the administration process, aiming to ensure supply continuity and support for affected workers and the local community. This event highlights broader challenges faced by UK refineries under decarbonization pressures amidst global market uncertainties.