Top 10 Best Oil and Gas Companies in Hart

Oil and Gas in Hart's Energy Mix

Hart's energy needs are diverse. While many homes in Fleet, Yateley and Church Crookham are connected to the mains gas network, a significant number of rural properties in villages and hamlets around Odiham, Crondall, Long Sutton and Winchfield rely on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas. Farms, haulage businesses and construction firms depend on diesel and fuel supplies, and the M3 corridor supports a busy network of fuel stations.

Southern England also has a notable oil and gas history. Hampshire and neighbouring counties host onshore oil fields and one of the UK's largest refineries. Hart itself has an engineering heritage linked to gas turbine research at the former Pyestock site. Below are ten oil and gas companies that play a meaningful role in the region.

The Oil and Gas Landscape in Southern England

The Wessex Basin, stretching across Dorset and Hampshire, contains onshore oil reserves that have been produced for decades. The Fawley Refinery near Southampton processes crude oil into fuels and chemicals supplied across the South. Meanwhile, distribution companies deliver heating oil, LPG and fuel to homes and businesses throughout Hampshire.

The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies Serving Hart

1. ExxonMobil and Esso Fawley

ExxonMobil operates the Fawley Refinery, one of the largest refineries in the UK. It supplies a substantial share of the fuel used in southern England, including petrol, diesel and aviation fuel. Esso-branded fuel stations are common along routes used by Hart drivers.

2. Perenco UK

Perenco operates the Wytch Farm oil field in Dorset, historically the largest onshore oil field in Western Europe. Its operations demonstrate the long-standing role of onshore production in southern England.

3. Egdon Resources

Egdon Resources is a UK onshore exploration and production company with interests across several licence areas, including sites in the south of England. It focuses on responsible development of domestic onshore resources.

4. UK Oil & Gas

UK Oil & Gas has been involved in onshore exploration projects in southern England and has increasingly explored diversification into hydrogen storage and energy transition opportunities.

5. BP

BP is one of the world's largest energy companies, with an extensive network of fuel stations, EV charging hubs and energy trading operations. It continues to invest in both conventional energy and low-carbon solutions.

6. Shell

Shell operates fuel stations across Hampshire and is investing in electric vehicle charging, biofuels and lower-carbon products alongside its traditional oil and gas business.

7. Certas Energy

Certas Energy is one of the UK's largest fuel distributors, supplying heating oil, diesel, lubricants and fuel cards to homes, farms and businesses. Its depots serve rural communities across southern England, including off-grid properties in Hart.

8. Watson Fuels

Watson Fuels supplies heating oil, commercial fuels and lubricants to domestic and business customers across the UK. It is valued for dependable delivery schedules, particularly during winter months when demand peaks.

9. Calor Gas

Calor is a leading supplier of LPG for homes, businesses and leisure use. Off-grid homes in Hart's villages often rely on Calor for heating and cooking, and the company also supplies bottled gas for caravans, barbecues and patio heaters.

10. Flogas

Flogas supplies LPG, natural gas and electricity to homes and businesses. It is a popular option for rural properties without mains gas and for commercial customers needing reliable fuel supplies.

The Changing Role of Oil and Gas

The energy transition is reshaping the oil and gas industry. Many companies are investing in lower-carbon alternatives such as biofuels, hydrogen and electric vehicle charging. Heating oil suppliers are introducing renewable liquid fuels, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil, which can reduce emissions from existing oil boilers.

At the same time, rural households in Hart are increasingly considering heat pumps as an alternative to oil and LPG heating, supported by government grants. For now, however, oil and gas remain essential for many homes and businesses, particularly older rural properties.

Tips for Hart Fuel Customers

• Compare heating oil prices regularly, as they can vary significantly.
• Consider joining a local oil buying group to secure better rates.
• Order heating oil early before winter demand peaks.
• Service boilers and tanks annually to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Explore lower-carbon fuel options and future heating alternatives.

Safety and Regulation

Oil storage tanks must meet regulations to prevent leaks and pollution, particularly important in Hart's sensitive environmental areas near the River Hart, River Whitewater and protected heathlands. LPG installations should be inspected by qualified engineers, and carbon monoxide alarms should be fitted wherever fuel-burning appliances are used.

Final Thoughts

Oil and gas continue to play an important role in Hart's energy landscape, especially for rural households and businesses. The ten companies above cover refining, exploration, retail fuel and home delivery, each contributing to the region's energy security. As the transition to low-carbon energy continues, these companies and their customers will increasingly explore cleaner alternatives.