While UK oil output rose as over 30 new fields came onstream since 2015, gas production fell by 3.5% to 0.61mn boe/day. Other UK government findings showed that total operating cost rose by 6.4% driven by higher activity, while unit operating cost (UOC) rose only marginally by 2.2%, from £11.4/boe in 2017 to £11.6 ($15bn)/boe in 2018, indicating stable cost efficiency.

The UK government's Projections of UK Oil and Gas Production and Expenditure Report published March 11 also estimates that UK oil and gas production over 2016–2050 is projected to be 3.9bn barrels of oil equivalent (boe) higher than projections four years ago (in March 2015).

Annual decommissioning expenditure has risen year on year since 2015, with 2017 to 2018 seeing a 9% increase to £1.45bn, reflecting a higher level of decommissioning activity taking place. The five year outlook (2019–2023) projection for decommissioning expenditure is down 18% from the previous assessment last year.

OGA said that the 3.9bn barrels identified "is great news with 2018 being a productive year. New discoveries such as Glendronach and Glengorm highlight the future potential of the basin which could be boosted further with new investment, exploration successes and resource progression. The OGA continually supports industry in efforts to revitalise exploration, through Area Plans and promoting new technologies."