The line graph provides data on the production levels of three main fuels in the United Kingdom from 1981 to 2000, measured in energy units: energy from one million tonnes of oil.
In general, the production levels of petroleum remained the highest throughout the period while experiencing an overall upward trend despite fluctuations. Natural gas similarly increased over the period, surpassing the production levels of coal, which demonstrated a steady decrease.
In 1981, the UK primarily produced petroleum, at around 90 energy units, a figure that increased to a striking 140 by 1984. Although this figure dipped between 1987 and 1996, reaching a low of 100, it eventually returned to 140 energy units and finished at this level. In the meantime, the figure for natural gas was initially the lowest, at under 40 energy units. Until 1990, it stayed almost unchanged for 9 years, after which it surged, culminating at above 100 energy units.
In contrast, coal was the only fuel whose output generally declined. Starting at 80 energy units, its figure dipped by 1984 before recovering to 60 energy units. However, it continued its decline, reaching about 30 energy units by the end while lagging behind the figure for natural gas.