‘No fuel’ signs have been spotted at Tesco petrol stations after Asda’s boss admitted the Iran war energy crisis is beginning to take its toll on British forecourts
‘Pump closed’ signs have been spotted at Tesco petrol stations after rival Asda admitted ‘demand is outstripping supply’.
Workers were seen closing pumps at a forecourt in Cheshire this afternoon, while last night a petrol station station in Prestwich, Greater Manchester was forced to put out a notice alerting customers that there was ‘no diesel available’.
The Mirror has approached Tesco for comment.
It comes as fears grow over a global fuel crisis triggered by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz – with the government said to be making contingency plans should Britain see its supplies drop.
READ MORE: RAC mechanic issues EV alert for drivers making petrol or diesel comparisonREAD MORE: Asda boss warns UK petrol pumps experiencing temporary shortages due to Iran war
Earlier today, Asda boss Allan Leighton warned that some forecourts are experiencing temporary shortages of petrol.
He said: “Our fuel volumes are up quite significantly and clearly demand has been outstripping supply. Supply is tight and we are all trying hard on that. The issue is a temporary one and some could see issues when we are waiting for delivery, and we can expect to see that continue”.
Mr Leighton added that higher demand from customers has led to a small number of local “spikes”, but that these issues are not nationwide. Fuel Industry UK, which represents the fuel sector, said the supply of petrol and diesel is “stable”.
A spokesperson said: “Companies are monitoring the fuel supply situation closely and reporting regularly into the energy department on the status now and for the weeks ahead. Supply remains stable in the UK and our members are working hard to ensure that remains the case.”
The average price of unleaded petrol has risen by more than 17p a litre since Donald Trump launched his war on Iran to 150.11p, according to RAC data. One police force has warned motorists to secure their cars against the risk of petrol theft from cars parked outside their home
Motorists are being advised by Wiltshire Police to equip their vehicles with anti-siphon devices and locking fuel caps, and to use CCTV when possible
People with standalone fuel tanks should ideally position them where they can be seen from the house, while other security measures included installing motion-sensor lighting and alarms, putting down gravel to ensure approaching footsteps are heard, and enclosing the tanks in cages. Owners should also monitor their fuel levels frequently and stay alert for any spilt fuel or evidence of tampering.
Agricultural vehicles and machinery should meanwhile be fitted with locking caps, and securely stored away overnight.
