Tesco has announced a new fuel discount offer as concerns over the UK fuel crisis and possible rationing continue to grow. From now until October 18, shoppers who spend £60 on a single in-store transaction will receive a coupon offering 8p off a litre of diesel or unleaded petrol.
The coupon is valid only at Tesco forecourts across Britain and Northern Ireland and must be used by Sunday October 25. The move comes after a former BP executive warned that motorists could soon face restrictions on fuel purchases.
Former BP executive warns of diesel rationing
Nick Butler, who spent 29 years at BP before leaving in 2006, said rising prices could lead to restrictions being introduced. In comments reported by BirminghamLive earlier this week, Mr Butler said: “I could well see there are restraints being put in place over this winter on the use of diesel.”
When asked whether 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.”
Fuel costs hit nearly £110 for average family car
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said earlier this week that “the cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110”. This represents an increase of £31 compared to the end of February, when the US-Iran war began.
Mr Williams 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.”
Asda offers 5p per litre deal
Tesco’s offer follows a similar promotion from Asda, which announced last week that it would give shoppers 5p off a litre of fuel when they spend £40 or more in a single in-store transaction. That deal runs until October 14.
Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to extend the current 5p fuel duty cut, as fuel prices continue to climb and the prospect of rationing looms over the winter months.
