MEZIESBLOG

Some petrol pumps are facing temporary fuel shortages due to tight supply linked to the Middle East conflict, the boss of Asda has warned. 

Allan Leighton, executive chairman of Asda, said the retailer has seen bumper demand from drivers in response to the volatility in fuel prices.

Petrol and diesel prices have risen significantly since the end of February, when the Iran war broke out. 

According to the RAC, the average price of unleaded petrol has risen by more than 17p a litre to 150.11p. 

Diesel has hit 177.68p per litre, and is approaching 180p, its head of policy Simon Williams said. 

‘Demand has been outstripping supply’

Asda’s Leighton 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.

“The spikiness at the moment makes this tricky for us, as spikes can lead to temporary shortages. These are temporary and are addressed very quickly.”

He stressed the issue has only affected “the odd pump” at a small number of its petrol forecourts, highlighting no forecourts have been fully short of fuel.

A spokesperson for ASDA later added: “Whilst we have seen increased demand, we have been clear that supply issues have been limited to a small number of pumps at a small number of sites, with all sites being refilled within the day.”

‘Supply remains stable’

Fuel Industry UK, which represents the fuel sector, said the supply of petrol and diesel was “stable”. 

Gordon Balmer, the executive director at Petrol Retailers Association, which represents independent fuel retailers, motorway service operators and supermarkets that account for 65% of all forecourts, said firms are “monitoring the fuel supply closely”.

And they are “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.”

In a joint statement with Fuel Industry UK chief Elizabeth de Jong, Balmer later added: “We’re aware of reports circulating about fuel availability at a small number of forecourts for one retailer.

“Supply across the UK is flowing normally and there is no need for any change in usual buying habits.”