Tesco has announced a change to its forecourts amid mounting concerns over the UK fuel crisis and the possibility of rationing. The supermarket has introduced an 8p-per-litre fuel discount for customers who spend £60 on a single in-store purchase from now until October 18.
The voucher can only be redeemed at Tesco forecourts throughout Britain and Northern Ireland until Sunday, October 25. The offer applies to both diesel and unleaded petrol.
Former BP executive warns of restrictions
A former BP executive, as reported by BirminghamLive earlier on Thursday, has cautioned that motorists could soon face "restrictions". Nick Butler, who worked at BP for 29 years before departing the company in 2006, suggested that rising prices could result in restrictions being imposed.
Mr Butler said: "I could well see there are restraints being put in place over this winter on the use of diesel." When questioned 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."
Cost of filling up nears £110
RAC head of policy Simon Williams earlier this week stated "the cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110". This represented £31 more than it was at the start of the US-Iran war, at the end of February, he said.
He continued: "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."
Asda announces similar discount
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has faced mounting pressure to prolong the 5p fuel duty reduction. Asda announced last week that it would provide customers with a 5p-per-litre discount on fuel when they purchase £40 or more in a single in-store shop. This offer is valid until October 14.
