Oil and Gas in a Rural District
The Staffordshire Moorlands has a higher proportion of off-gas properties than many parts of England. Remote farmhouses, upland cottages and villages beyond the reach of the mains gas network often rely on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas for warmth and hot water. Farms depend on red diesel alternatives and fuel deliveries for machinery, while businesses on industrial estates in Leek, Cheadle and Biddulph use mains gas, fuel oils and lubricants.
For residents and businesses, reliable fuel supply is essential, particularly during harsh winters when snow can cut off higher ground. At the same time, the energy transition is changing the sector, with lower-carbon fuels and alternatives becoming increasingly important. Here are ten oil and gas companies relevant to the Moorlands.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies
1. 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 national depot network supports reliable deliveries to rural areas, including the Moorlands, and it offers lower-carbon fuel alternatives such as HVO.
2. Crown Oil
Crown Oil is a major independent fuel supplier based in the North West. It delivers heating oil, diesel, gas oil and lubricants to domestic, agricultural and commercial customers. Its responsive service and wide product range make it a popular choice for Moorlands businesses.
3. Calor Gas
Calor is the UK's best-known LPG supplier, providing bulk tanks and cylinders for off-grid homes, businesses, caravans and leisure parks. In the Moorlands, Calor supplies many rural properties and tourism businesses that are not connected to mains gas.
4. Flogas
Flogas supplies LPG to homes and businesses across Britain, along with natural gas and electricity for commercial customers. It is a strong alternative for off-grid properties seeking competitive LPG supply and dependable delivery schedules.
5. Cadent Gas
Cadent owns and operates the gas distribution network that serves much of the West Midlands, including parts of Staffordshire. While it does not sell gas to consumers, it maintains the pipes that deliver gas to homes and businesses and responds to gas emergencies. It is also exploring hydrogen blending for a lower-carbon future.
6. National Gas
National Gas operates the high-pressure gas transmission system for Great Britain, moving gas from terminals and storage to regional distribution networks. Its infrastructure underpins the reliability of gas supply throughout the Midlands.
7. Centrica
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, is a leading integrated energy business involved in gas supply, trading, storage and services. It plays a significant role in UK energy security and is investing in low-carbon technologies alongside its traditional activities.
8. BP
BP is one of the world's largest energy companies, operating fuel stations across the UK and investing in electric vehicle charging, biofuels and renewables. Motorists in the Moorlands and along routes such as the A53 and A50 rely on its forecourts.
9. Shell
Shell supplies fuels, lubricants and energy solutions to consumers and businesses. Its UK forecourt network, commercial fuels and growing EV charging infrastructure make it an important energy provider for drivers and fleets in Staffordshire.
10. Harbour Energy
Harbour Energy is one of the largest independent oil and gas producers in the UK North Sea. Its production contributes to domestic energy supply and security, supporting the gas and oil used across the country during the transition to renewables.
Heating Oil and LPG Tips for Moorlands Homes
Order heating oil before the coldest months, when demand and prices often rise and winter weather can disrupt deliveries to higher ground. Joining a local oil buying group can help secure better prices through bulk purchasing. Maintain your boiler and tank regularly and consider tank security to deter theft. For LPG users, compare suppliers when contracts end, and check tank ownership and maintenance terms carefully.
Lower-Carbon Alternatives
Hydrotreated vegetable oil is emerging as a lower-carbon replacement for kerosene and diesel in some boilers and machinery, often with modest modifications. BioLPG offers a renewable alternative for LPG users. Many off-grid homeowners are also considering heat pumps, sometimes in hybrid systems with existing boilers. Government grants can help with the cost of switching to low-carbon heating.
Industry Trends
The oil and gas sector is in transition. Distributors are diversifying into renewable fuels, EV charging and energy services. Gas networks are trialling hydrogen and biomethane to reduce emissions. Meanwhile, energy security remains a priority, keeping North Sea production and storage on the policy agenda. For rural communities like the Moorlands, the key challenge is ensuring affordable, reliable heat while gradually moving towards cleaner alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Oil and gas remain vital to everyday life in the Staffordshire Moorlands, especially for off-grid homes, farms and businesses. The companies above provide fuel, infrastructure and services that keep the district running. Compare suppliers, plan ahead for winter and explore lower-carbon options, confirming current products and pricing directly with each company.
Want your brand featured in front of decision-makers? Publish a guest post or get a link insertion in our guides through AAMAX's guest post and link insertion service.
Helpful Links
Write for Us
Share your expertise with our readers. We welcome guest contributions from industry specialists.
Pitch your idea


