Indigenous production of primary fuels was a reported 3·5% lower in the second quarter of 2001 compared to the second quarter of 2000 – this was mainly due to a drop in petroleum production of 6·6%.
It seems the total inland consumption on a primary fuel input basis was 235·1 million tonnes of oil equivalent, which is a drop of 0·3% on this time last year.
These figures are good news for solid fuel producers as coal and other solid fuel consumption increased by a massive 8·9%, due to the increased use of coal for generating electricity. The report is not so good for oil and gas, which fell 2·6% and 1% respectively.
The introduction of the Climate Change Levy in April 2001 had a dramatic affect on fuel prices. The DTI's study found there has been a 13% rise in coal prices, 8% in electricity, and 7% in gas compared to the prices excluding the levy.
Regular bulletins of energy trends and prices are offered on a subscription basis, priced £35. For more information contact the DTI helpdesk on 020 7215 2697.
Source
Building Sustainable Design
