Top 10 Best Oil and Gas Companies in Folkestone and Hythe

Oil and Gas in a Transitioning Energy Market

While the UK is moving towards renewable energy, oil and gas remain part of daily life for many households and businesses in Folkestone and Hythe. Rural villages on Romney Marsh and in the Kent Downs are often not connected to the mains gas network and depend on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas. Farms, hauliers and construction firms rely on diesel and other fuels, while the district's position on major freight routes to the Channel Tunnel means fuel supply is essential to the local economy.

Choosing a reliable fuel supplier helps ensure uninterrupted heating, competitive prices and safe delivery. At the same time, many suppliers are expanding into lower-carbon alternatives, helping customers prepare for the future.

Types of Oil and Gas Services

The sector locally includes heating oil distributors, LPG suppliers for homes and businesses, commercial fuel and lubricant suppliers, gas network operators and fuel retailers operating forecourts. Many suppliers also offer tank installation, maintenance and fuel management services.

1. Certas Energy

Certas Energy is one of the UK's largest distributors of fuels and lubricants. It supplies heating oil, diesel, lubricants and fuel cards to homes, farms and businesses, and has a strong presence across the South East.

2. Crown Oil

Crown Oil supplies heating oil, commercial fuels, lubricants and renewable fuels such as HVO across the UK. It is known for reliable delivery and a growing range of lower-carbon fuel options for businesses.

3. Portland Fuel

Portland Fuel supplies commercial and industrial fuels, including diesel, heating oil and HVO, to businesses across the UK. Its competitive pricing and flexible supply arrangements suit hauliers and construction firms.

4. Calor Gas

Calor is the UK's leading supplier of LPG for homes, businesses and leisure. Off-grid households on Romney Marsh and rural businesses rely on Calor for heating, cooking and hot water, and the company is also developing renewable BioLPG.

5. Flogas

Flogas supplies LPG to homes and businesses, together with natural gas and electricity for commercial customers. Its bulk and bottled LPG services are popular with off-grid properties and hospitality businesses.

6. SGN

SGN operates the gas distribution network in the South East, including Folkestone and Hythe. It maintains and upgrades the pipes that carry gas to homes and businesses and responds to gas emergencies. SGN is also investigating hydrogen as a future low-carbon gas.

7. BP

BP is a global energy company with an extensive UK forecourt network, including service stations serving the district's motorists and freight traffic. It is also investing in EV charging through BP Pulse and in offshore wind.

8. Shell

Shell operates service stations across the UK and supplies fuels and lubricants to businesses. Its forecourts increasingly feature EV charging, reflecting the broader energy transition.

9. Esso

Esso, part of ExxonMobil, supplies fuel through a large network of UK forecourts, many operated in partnership with retailers. Its stations serve local drivers and the heavy traffic travelling to and from the Channel Tunnel.

10. Texaco

Texaco-branded forecourts, supplied by Valero, are a familiar sight across the South East. The brand provides road fuels to drivers across Kent, including along key routes through the district.

Industry Trends in 2026

The oil and gas sector is adapting to decarbonisation. Hydrotreated vegetable oil is increasingly used as a drop-in replacement for heating oil and diesel, offering significant carbon reductions. BioLPG is expanding for off-grid heating. Fuel retailers are adding rapid EV chargers, and gas networks are trialling hydrogen blending. Government policy is gradually encouraging off-grid homes to switch to heat pumps, so many suppliers are diversifying their services.

Tips for Choosing a Fuel Supplier

Compare prices regularly, as heating oil costs fluctuate. Consider joining a local oil buying group, which can secure discounts through bulk purchasing. Check delivery times, minimum order quantities and payment options. Ensure your tank is inspected regularly by an OFTEC-registered technician. For businesses, fuel cards and automated monitoring can improve cost control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oil and Gas Supply

When is the best time to order heating oil? Prices often rise in autumn and winter as demand increases, so many households order during late spring and summer when prices can be lower. Keeping your tank topped up before the colder months also avoids the risk of running out during periods of high demand and delivery delays.

Is LPG a good option for off-grid homes? LPG offers clean-burning, convenient heating for properties without mains gas and can be stored in tanks or cylinders. It generally produces lower carbon emissions than heating oil, and renewable BioLPG blends are becoming more available as a transition option.

Can I switch from oil to a heat pump? Many off-grid homes can switch to an air source heat pump, particularly after improving insulation. A qualified installer will carry out a heat loss survey to confirm suitability and size the system correctly. Some households choose hybrid systems as an intermediate step.

Final Thoughts

Oil and gas continue to play a practical role in Folkestone and Hythe, particularly for rural properties and transport-dependent businesses. The companies above offer reliable supply and are increasingly helping customers move towards lower-carbon options. Verify current prices and services directly and plan ahead for the energy transition.