The Northern Ireland Oil Industry held its third conference and exhibition on Tuesday 9th September at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. Last year the Federation teamed up with OFTEC to deliver a 'complete heating solution'.

Thirty exhibitors from the UK and Ireland displayed new technologies and products for this energy sector and industry speakers gave an update on current trends within the oil sector. Ian Waller from PetroPlus gave his view on the future availability of kerosene and the likely pricing structure of crude for the forthcoming winter.  Customs & Excise were in attendance to give advice on the Registered Dealers in Controlled Oils Scheme.

The oil market in NI has increased in size despite the competition from Phoenix natural gas. The good news for distributors attending the event was that the market share for oil users in the domestic market rose from 71% to 74% from 2002-03. (Millward Brown Ulster Aug 2003)

David Blevings who organised the exhibition claimed, "The importance of Northern Ireland as the largest domestic kerosene market in Western Europe was evident in the number of GB and local exhibitors in attendance.  More than 130 delegates attended the event and gave particularly positive feedback on the participation of the boiler and tank manufacturers and installers. 

 Main sponsors of the event were Tyrrell and Fuel Oil News.

Our thanks must go to the sponsors and the companies who generously donated prizes, without whose support the event would not be possible.