Energy stocks: Top energy companies to invest in

See how to buy energy stocks, popular energy shares in the UK, and what to look out for when investing in energy.

The energy sector is one of the largest and most important industries in the modern world, and energy companies such as Sinopec Group, Saudi Aramco, BP and ExxonMobil are amongst the largest in the world by revenue. Find out how to buy energy shares from the UK, and why you might invest in the energy sector in this guide.

The UK is home to some of the world’s leading energy companies, including oil giants like BP and Royal Dutch Shell, as well as renewable energy companies like Greencoat UK Wind.

There are many other energy stocks listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) that you can invest in from the UK, including:

BP logo

BP (BP)

One of the seven “supermajor” oil and gas companies, BP is the UK’s largest company by revenue, and a component of the FTSE 100 stock index. Get the latest financial data on BP, and see how to buy BP shares here.

Buy BP shares

88 Energy logo

88 Energy (88E)

Based in Australia, 88 Energy Limited is a fossil fuel exploration company that is listed on both the LSE and Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). See how to buy 88E shares and learn more about investing in energy exploration companies in our guide.

Buy 88 Energy shares

Royal Dutch Shell logo

Royal Dutch Shell (SHEL)

Royal Dutch Shell is an Anglo-Dutch oil and gas company and the largest company in Europe by revenue. It is part of the FTSE 100, and is also listed on the Euronext, New York Stock Exchange, and Phillipines Stock Exchange. Learn how to invest in Shell shares here.

Buy Shell shares

Why invest in energy stocks?

The energy industry plays a vital role in facilitating our daily lives, and energy companies are amongst the biggest in the world, making them an attractive pick for investors. Traditionally, energy stocks have been a good way for investors to diversify their portfolio while offering good returns.

However, as with many other industries, oil and gas companies were especially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, as demand for these commodities dropped. This had a knock-on effect on energy company share prices, but many energy stocks have recovered as the world returns to relative normal.

With in green and renewable energy, the sector has also seen a rise in interest from investors looking to capitalise on the potential of sustainable energy, and the predicted impact this will have on the global energy market.

Finder survey: Would Brits consider investing in energy stocks?

67% of people we surveyed said they already invest in energy stocks or would consider investing in energy stocks.

Response
I would consider it57.01%
Not sure19.74%
I wouldn't consider it12.92%
I already invest in this10.33%
Source: Finder survey by Censuswide of Brits, December 2023

Compare platforms for trading energy stocks

Table: sorted by promoted deals first

The following share-dealing platforms offer access to a wide range of global (and UK) businesses. See which offers the most attractive rates for your needs, then simply head to the provider’s website and search for the name of the company you want to invest in.

Name Product UKFST Finder Score Min. initial deposit Price per trade Frequent trader rate Platform fees Offer Link
Finder Award
FREE TRADES
eToro Free Stocks
4.3
★★★★★
$100
£0 on stocks
N/A
£0
Go to site

Capital at risk. Fees apply.

Platform details
OFFER
Freetrade
4.4
★★★★★
£1
£0
N/A
£0
Get a free share worth up to £100 when you sign up and deposit at least £50. T&Cs apply. Capital at risk.
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
XTB
4.4
★★★★★
£0
£0
£0
£0
Earn up to 4.75% interest on uninvested cash.
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
CMC Invest share dealing account
4.4
★★★★★
£0
£0
N/A
£0
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
Hargreaves Lansdown Fund and Share Account
4.2
★★★★★
£1
£11.95
£5.95
£0 (0.45% for funds)
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
InvestEngine
4.4
★★★★★
£100
£0
N/A
0% - 0.25%
Get a Welcome Bonus of up to £50 when you invest at least £100 with InvestEngine. T&Cs apply.
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
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All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.


Browse all energy stock guides

Zoe Stabler DipFA's headshot
Senior writer

Zoe was a senior writer at Finder specialising in investment and banking, and during this time, she joined the Women in FinTech Powerlist 2022. She is currently a senior money writer at Be Clever With Your Cash. Zoe has a BA in English literature and a Diploma for Financial Advisers. She has several years of experience in writing about all things personal finance. Zoe has a particular love for spreadsheets, having also worked as a management accountant. In her spare time, you’ll find Zoe skating at her local ice rink. See full bio

Zoe's expertise
Zoe has written 165 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Share dealing
  • Reviews and comparisons of trading platforms
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