Last January, your reflections on 2024 painted a picture of an industry weathering turbulence – “tough, unpredictable and erratic,” “a very challenging year,” – in a year marked by supply pressures, shifting markets and the growing presence of HVO in everyday conversations. Yet, through these pressures, ran a strong thread of resilience and collaboration.
This year’s reflections on 2025, carry that same resilience, but the tone has evolved. There is an added sense of an industry actively adapting: navigating rapid change, managing volatility and continuing to transition, while keeping essential fuel moving every day.
Together, they show a sector that may be challenged, but is constantly learning, adapting and moving forward – and doing so with pride, passion and purpose.
Clive Morin, Managing Director Barton Petroleum
A tough year for a few different reasons, but we love a challenge! Bring on 2026!
John Weedon, MD Mitchell & Webber
Rewarding but challenging at times with weather extremes.
James Carson, Director, Knockbracken Fuels.
Very challenging with increasing costs on many fronts but with margins that haven’t improved in thirty years.
Gavin Milligan, Strangford Fuels
Working in the fuel distribution sector this year, the greatest challenge has been increased costs, i.e. insurance, national insurance, etc.
Richard Wallace, CEO, LCM Environmental
Challenging at times, but full of purpose — a year where the industry once again proved how resilient and adaptable it is.
Luke Nolan, Sales Manager Nolan Fuels
A rollercoaster ride.
Duncan Lambert, Rix Petroleum
Probably my most challenging year out of my 39 years in the industry Why? Very low demand meant we had to work harder to win and create opportunity.
Amy Jones. Head of Organization – local, BWOC
Challenging to navigate rapid and unexpected changes, but as always, it remains an exciting industry where no day is ever the same.
Gemma Wakefield, Marketing Manager, NWF
Tough, but fun! The market seems to have been hard to guess this year, both domestically and commercially, which has kept us on our toes.
Emma Osborn, Director, El-Oils, Halso UK Fuels
Working in fuel distribution is exciting and challenging every single year. This year we have had to navigate evolving energy demands, tighter regulations, and the push towards cleaner technologies, and all while keeping essential fuel flowing every day!
Phil Murray, CEO WCF Ltd
2025 was a year marked by volatile markets and yet more upstream disruption, but we have adapted our supply chains, strengthened our customer relationships, and sought efficiencies in our operational infrastructures.
Patrick Kirby, Tria Energy
2025 was a demanding year, but a very positive one — full of change, momentum, and real opportunities for businesses willing to adapt. In Ireland, there has been a big struggle across a lot of industries to attract HGV drivers.
Jon Best, Director and COO ATF Fuels
2025 has been a year of rapid change — but also one where local focus, flexibility and innovation have kept us delivering value reliably to Channel Islands homes, motorists and businesses.
Duncan Smith, Head of Fuels & Lubricants Business Development, Carrs Billington
It has been an interesting year, with many changes in the supply landscape in the north, and Scotland in particular. However, we have adapted, and I am very proud that none of our customers saw any impact from the closures of key lifting locations.
Philip Sharman, Director Fuels/ Outdoor/Marketing Carrs Billington.
Having worked in and around agriculture supply most of my career I do enjoy (mostly!) the ‘challenge and reward’ of the service level expected in Fuels and the fact it’s still very much a people industry.
David Weaver, Roadside Services, Certas Energy UK Ltd
Working in fuel distribution in 2025 has been fast-moving and transformative, particularly within Mobility, as we modernise sites, enhance customer experience, and adapt to a changing energy landscape.
John Hughes, Operations Manager, Klass Oil
Challenging due to lack of qualified drivers. Grateful that I have a strong team in operations providing support.
Chris Belsham, Chief Executive Officer, NWF Group
Very much a year of two halves: good market conditions in the first half of the year, but then tough across the summer and into the Autumn with the mild weather impacting market demand for heating oil and gas oil.
Image credit: Alamy
