Council Leader: ‘Reckless to risk jobs and UK fuel security at Lincolnshire refinery’

The leader of North Lincolnshire Council has called for Government intervention to protect a Lincolnshire oil refinery, warning that a rushed process threatens hundreds of high-quality jobs and puts the UK’s fuel security at risk.

Cllr Rob Waltham said: “It is nothing short of extraordinary that, with serious offers on the table to buy and preserve the site, letters have still been sent to workers telling them there is nothing that can be done. This feels rushed – the process risks destroying livelihoods and throwing away opportunities before they’ve even been properly explored.”

It comes after almost a third of the workers at the Lindsey Oil Refinery are to lose their jobs, with the Insolvency Service confirming 125 employees will be made redundant at the end of October.

The refinery was taken over by the official receiver in June after its owner, Prax Group, went into administration.

Cllr Waltham added: “The loss of high-quality, skilled manufacturing roles would be a hammer blow to families and communities here in Lincolnshire, and it also raises real concerns for the nation’s fuel security.

“Losing this site means losing capacity for fuel which is vital to the country. It will hit households every time they fill up their car, it will affect businesses that rely on fuel to move goods, it will put pressure on farms that depend on diesel, and it will make hospitals and schools more vulnerable to energy shocks.

“Relying on imports leaves the country exposed to global markets, driving up costs and reducing resilience when we need it most – the site is of strategic importance, and allowing it to fall without exhausting every option is reckless and short-sighted.

“Our demand is clear: Government must step in, pause this process, and bring all parties back to the table – the Official Receiver, potential buyers, unions, and local leadership. Every viable offer must be given proper consideration and every effort made to protect the refinery’s future.

“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with workers and families. This community will not be cast aside – and we will fight for a secure future for the refinery and for the country.”