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ExxonMobil Plans to Close Fife Ethylene Plant in February 2026

UK ministers say there is no viable business case for support, leaving Scotland to form a taskforce for workers.

Overview

  • The company says the shutdown is subject to a full employee consultation after a review that included testing the market for a buyer.
  • About 179 directly employed roles and roughly 250 contractor jobs are at risk, with around 50 staff offered potential transfers to ExxonMobil’s Fawley complex in Hampshire.
  • ExxonMobil cites the UK policy and economic environment, high energy and supply costs, market conditions and plant efficiency for concluding the site is not competitive.
  • The UK Government says it explored every reasonable option but will not provide bespoke funding, with the industry minister citing the absence of a viable business case and indicating Exxon said nearly £1bn would be needed to restore profitability.
  • Scottish ministers will convene a taskforce and deploy PACE support, as unions and local politicians press for a just transition and clear plans for affected workers and the site.