By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-05 08:34:12 | Updated at 2026-10-05 09:06:02
1 hour ago
UK fuel supplies could face "severe disruption" as more than 160 North Sea oil workers prepare to strike in a dispute over pay.
The Unite union has warned that industrial action at Apache's Forties and Beryl field installations could have knock-on effects across the North Sea and potentially affect supplies to motorists and households.
Strike action could begin later this month after workers including electricians, mechanics, radio operators and production technicians overwhelmingly backed a walkout following a breakdown in pay negotiations.
Unite warned the dispute could disrupt the Forties Pipeline System, which it said handles around 29 per cent of Britain's oil production and 30 per cent of its gas supplies.
The potential action comes at a sensitive time for motorists, with average diesel prices reaching a record £2 a litre last week.
At the centre of concerns is Apache's Forties Charlie platform, a key collection point for crude oil produced across neighbouring installations and wells before it is transported onshore.
Unite warned that if strike action brought the platform to a standstill, falling pressure could result in "the entire Forties Pipeline System going down".
The union said the consequences could extend beyond Apache because other major North Sea operators also rely on the pipeline to transport their output.
Stevie Davies, Unite industrial officer, said: "Any disruption to Apache's platforms would have a direct hit on the Forties pipeline and potentially severely affect the UK's fuel supplies."
Mr Davies added: "The behaviour of Apache is reckless and it could have far reaching consequences for workers, operators and consumers."
The dispute follows Apache's offer of a four per cent pay increase to workers.
However, Unite rejected the proposal, arguing that it would amount to a real-terms pay cut for many employees.
The union said the consequences could extend beyond Apache
The union has also accused Apache of setting deadlines during negotiations over back pay and suggesting payments could be withheld, potentially leaving some workers "thousands of pounds out of pocket".
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "We will not tolerate unacceptable pay offers and threats to withhold back pay from Apache.
"The operator is raking in eye-watering profits. It's treating its highly-skilled workers with contempt. Apache has been caught red handed in embarking on shameful corporate greed."
APA Corporation, the Texas-based parent company of Apache's North Sea operations, reported after-tax profits of $1.4billion (£1.1billion) on revenues of $9.2billion last year.
Apache has defended its offer, saying the proposed four per cent increase is fair and in line with the rise awarded to its non-unionised employees earlier this year.
The company said its offshore workers are already "among the highest earners in the UK", while their offshore rota averages 153 working days a year.
The union has also accused Apache of setting deadlines during negotiations over back pay and suggesting payments could be withheld
Apache also said it has contingency plans in place and does not expect industrial action to prevent other North Sea producers from operating through the Forties pipeline.
The threatened disruption arrives against a backdrop of soaring fuel costs driven by the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has choked off supplies of crude and refined oil products from the Gulf.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has compounded the pressure on global energy markets.
Average diesel prices in the UK climbed to a record £2 a litre last week, dealing a fresh blow to motorists and businesses alike.
Rising fuel costs helped push inflation to a five-month high in August, intensifying the squeeze on household budgets.
Last week, G7 leaders agreed to release up to 100 million barrels from emergency diesel and crude oil stockpiles. The move came after Donald Trump threatened to cut off US diesel exports to Europe, pressuring allied nations into tapping their reserves to help stabilise prices.
Apache said it had put contingency plans in place to maintain safe operations throughout any industrial action. These include stationing experienced personnel at key installations.
The company said it did not expect a walkout to prevent other producers from continuing to operate through the Forties pipeline system.
It compared any potential reduction in pipeline pressure to the kind of fluctuations that occur during routine maintenance outages.
"We believe our final offer to the union is fair and recognises the contribution of our offshore workforce, alongside the wider benefits in our total rewards package," Apache said.
The company added that the proposed pay rise matched the increase already awarded to its non-unionised staff earlier this year.
Unite has previously secured concessions from North Sea operators through strike threats. Planned walkouts by Neo Next offshore workers were called off this summer after a deal lifted pay packages by more than £4,000.
