22 June 2026
Esso Petroleum has been fined £1 million following a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leak at the Fawley refinery in Hampshire, United Kingdom, which released gas over an extended period, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Image: WikipediaThe incident occurred on 8 November 2022 at Esso’s Fawley refinery in Hampshire, where a release of liquefied petroleum gas occurred during operations at the site.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and court reporting, the release continued for approximately 33 hours and involved an estimated 2,400 kg of LPG.
Emergency measures were implemented at the refinery to manage the release and reduce associated risks.
HSE investigators identified that workers were present in the vicinity during the incident and were exposed to risks arising from the release of flammable gas.
Esso Petroleum pleaded guilty to breaches of health and safety legislation and was fined £1 million at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, along with costs, following prosecution by the regulator.
This report reflects information available as of 17 June 2026, following the Health and Safety Executive prosecution outcome.