Tesco is offering motorists a discount on fuel with a voucher scheme running throughout this month. Shoppers who spend at least £60 in a single in-store transaction can receive a paper coupon that reduces the cost of petrol or diesel by 5p per litre at any of the supermarket's 600 forecourts.
The promotion comes as national fuel prices reach their highest level since November 2022, adding further strain to household budgets. According to recent figures, the average price for petrol has climbed to 159.89p per litre, following market pressure triggered by international conflict. Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain after US President Donald Trump announced plans for talks with Iran, following the cancellation of what he described as 'massive' military strikes. Iranian officials have denied that these discussions are taking place, leaving global markets under pressure for the foreseeable future.
How the Tesco Fuel Voucher Works
To secure the savings, customers need to spend at least £60 in a single shop at a Tesco store. Staff will then issue a paper voucher that reduces the cost of fuel at the time of refuelling. Shoppers must collect their voucher by August 16 and redeem it at a Tesco petrol station by August 23. Drivers can save up to £10 per transaction by presenting the printed voucher at the payment desk.
This offer arrives during a sharp rise in forecourt crime across the country. Recent reports indicate that drivers have taken nearly £200,000 worth of fuel each day without paying since the Middle East crisis began.
Rise in Forecourt Crime
Security analysts at Forecourt Eye reported that incidents of unpaid fuel increased by 20% over the five months following the start of the Iran conflict earlier this year. This comparison against previous months highlights a noticeable shift in motorist behaviour at petrol stations. Because overall pump prices have risen, the total financial value of stolen fuel has surged by 48% to roughly £194,000 per day across 8,359 British forecourts.
First-time offenders saw a 23% jump in incidents, whereas repeat offenders experienced a 17% rise over the same timeframe. Data gathered from 550 sample stations includes drivers leaving without paying as well as people claiming they lack payment methods after filling their vehicles. Analysts noted that these numbers reflect both deliberate crime and genuine financial hardship amongst motorists.
Fuel Prices at Three-and-a-Half-Year High
By the end of the week, the national average cost for petrol had climbed to 160p per litre. That figure represents a three-and-a-half-year high, coming in roughly 27p higher than rates recorded before recent global conflicts. Meanwhile, diesel prices have risen further, reaching approximately 179p per litre. Drivers are now paying around 37p more per litre for diesel than they did before the outbreak of hostilities.
The Tesco voucher scheme offers a timely reprieve for drivers, but with prices continuing to climb, many motorists are feeling the pinch. The promotion is limited to one voucher per qualifying transaction, and the discount applies only to fuel purchased at Tesco petrol stations. This initiative is part of a broader effort by supermarkets to support customers amid rising living costs.
