It comes amid the fear of rationing
Tesco announces £60 rule across petrol stations as UK fuel crisis deepens
Tesco has confirmed a change to its forecourts as fears grow over the UK fuel crisis – and the prospect of rationing. A former BP executive, as reported by BirminghamLive earlier on Thursday, has warned motorists could soon face “restrictions”.
As such, Tesco, which is rivalled by Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda and more, has launched an 8p off a litre fuel deal. Tesco says shoppers will get a coupon for money off diesel and unleaded when they spend £60 on a single in-store transaction from now until October 18.
The coupon can only be used at Tesco forecourts across Britain and Northern Ireland until Sunday October 25. Nick Butler, who spent 29 years at BP before leaving the company in 2006, said rising prices could see restrictions introduced.
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Mr Butler said: “I could well see there are restraints being put in place over this winter on the use of diesel.”
When asked if this would mean rationing for drivers, he added: “Yes, yes… if there’s a shortage, and if you have to protect key sectors, then there’s less for everyone else.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams earlier this week said “the cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110”. This was £31 more than it was at the start of the US-Iran war, at the end of February, he said.
He added: “The UK might have limited leverage when it comes to ending the US-Iran war and ultimately bringing oil prices down, but the Government could take steps to ease the burden on drivers by lowering fuel duty further or reducing VAT.”
Andy Burnham, the Labour Party government prime minister, has come under pressure to extend the 5p fuel duty cut.
Asda last week announced that it would be offering shoppers a 5p a litre off fuel deal when they spend £40 or more in a single in-store transaction.
This deal runs until October 14.
