Tesco has announced a new fuel discount scheme offering customers 8p off per litre of fuel at more than 500 of its petrol stations across the United Kingdom. The promotion, which runs until mid-August, is designed to provide relief to drivers facing soaring costs at the pumps.
Offer Details
To qualify for the discount, shoppers must spend at least £60 in a Tesco store in a single transaction. Upon checkout, they will receive a coupon that grants 5% off their fuel costs, equivalent to 8p per litre. The coupon can be redeemed at any of Tesco's branded forecourts before August 23. However, the offer is not available at Pay at Pump terminals, unmanned stations, or Tesco Express outlets that sell Esso fuel.
Customers must make their in-store purchase by August 16 to be eligible for the discount. Each coupon is limited to a single use and applies to a maximum of one tank of fuel. Tesco expects the promotion to benefit millions of motorists during the busy summer holiday period.
Fuel Price Context
The discount arrives as fuel prices have climbed sharply across the UK. According to the RAC, the average price of unleaded petrol rose by nearly 6p per litre since July 6, reaching 156.19p. Diesel saw an even steeper increase of almost 9p, hitting 173.15p per litre. This surge pushed the cost of filling a typical family-sized petrol car to £86, while a diesel tank now sets drivers back £95.
The rising prices are partly driven by global oil markets, where crude oil breached the $100 per barrel mark for the first time in two months. Analysts attribute the increase to supply concerns and heightened demand as summer travel picks up. The price spike has reversed the modest declines seen in early summer, bringing pump costs back to mid-June levels.
Expert Comments
Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad said: "We hope this extra saving at the pumps will make life a little easier for families, just in time for the summer holidays." He emphasised that the retailer is committed to helping customers manage their budgets amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams offered a stark perspective on the broader fuel market. "The recent hike in pump prices is a real blow to drivers," he said. "With a tank of fuel now costing £86 for petrol and £95 for diesel, any discount is welcome, but more needs to be done to ensure fair pricing at the forecourts."
How to Claim the Discount
Shoppers planning to take advantage of the offer should ensure they spend at least £60 in a single transaction at a Tesco store. The coupon will be printed at the till and must be presented at a Tesco petrol station before August 23. The discount applies to all fuel grades, including premium, and can be used on any fuel purchase up to the capacity of the vehicle's tank.
Tesco advises customers to check the participating petrol station list online, as the offer is limited to over 500 sites. The company operates more than 1,500 forecourts nationwide, so not all locations are included. Unmanned sites and those in partnership with other fuel brands are excluded.
Impact on Families
The discount comes at a time when household budgets are under pressure from rising energy bills, food inflation, and transport costs. For a family driving a petrol car, saving 8p per litre on a typical 50-litre fill-up means a reduction of £4 per tank. While modest, this can accumulate over multiple trips during the school holidays.
Tesco's move follows similar promotions from other supermarkets, such as Asda and Morrisons, which have offered fuel discounts tied to in-store spending. The competitive landscape means drivers can shop around for the best deal. However, Tesco's scheme stands out due to its wide national reach and the relatively low spending threshold.
Important Dates
The key dates for the promotion are:
- In-store purchase deadline: August 16
- Coupon redemption deadline: August 23
After these dates, the coupon expires and cannot be used. Tesco may extend or modify the offer at its discretion, but no announcements have been made yet.
Drivers should also note that the discount cannot be combined with other fuel promotions or loyalty card bonuses. The coupon is valid for one use only and must be handed over to the cashier before fueling.
