Centrica warns UK gas storage may fall below four days as Rough faces closure

Centrica has warned that UK gas storage is dangerously low and that its Rough facility in the North Sea may close unless the government provides a support framework. Chris O'Shea, the boss of Centrica, which owns British Gas and Rough, said the asset is nearing the end of its life and cannot be filled on a commercial basis.

The warning came amid wider energy pressures linked to the war in Ukraine and the war in Iran, as well as an attack on the Science Academy in Kyiv. Diesel prices have hit record highs. In bond markets, US debt was sold off as oil rose again, and there was anxiety that President Trump might lock in US diesel exports. UK borrowing costs have also risen, with 10-year gilts at 5.43 per cent, up from 4.5 per cent in January, wiping billions from the Chancellor's headroom.

O'Shea said Rough has no gas in storage for the coming winter. He said there is about eight or nine weeks of gas left, but no gas has been put into storage because it is not commercially viable. The company compares the UK with European neighbours. In 2024, the Netherlands held 123 days of gas storage, France 103, Germany 89, and Britain only 12. Centrica now says the UK has less than four days. European storage has also fallen because of the Middle East conflict, limiting how much the UK can rely on its neighbours.

Centrica argues that gas security matters in a world where two international wars have created energy shocks in five years, and that storage can help hold down consumer bills. It says that at full capacity in the first two years of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rough would have taken £100 off every household energy bill. The company says the facility would create jobs, help industrialise the UK, improve national security and bring bills down. O'Shea rejected accusations that he is crying wolf and said he hopes the facility will not close in April.

Closing Rough could cost potentially 600 jobs. An apprentice, Archie, said it would be devastating, especially as he has already been made redundant once while still training. The government said it has a plan for investing in energy and is confident Britain's supply is secure. Bills this winter are expected to rise by 24 per cent. The future of the platform, 18 miles out in the North Sea, goes to the heart of the argument about whether UK energy security is fit for purpose, and whether political promises to protect living standards and re-industrialise the economy can be met.