Stanlow oil refinery ‘on brink of collapse’ as crisis talks continue

Essar Energy locked in negotiations with HMRC over VAT payment delayed because of pandemic

The UK’s second biggest oil refinery is locked in talks with tax officials over a deferred tax bill amid reports that it could be on the brink of collapse.

Essar Energy, which owns the Stanlow oil refinery in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, is negotiating with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over a £223m VAT payment, delayed because of the pandemic.