Supermarket giant Asda has warned that some petrol pumps across its network of forecourts are suffering from “temporary shortages”.
Allan Leighton, executive chairman of Asda, has warned that the conflict in the Middle East has contributed to fuel shortages at forecourts across the UK.
He reported that the supermarket had seen a huge spike in motorists looking to fill up over the last four weeks as petrol and diesel prices continue to soar.
The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that petrol prices have finally jumped above 150p per litre on average.
This marks the highest price per litre since mid-May 2024, with prices rising by 17.3p in the four weeks since the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran kicked off.
Diesel drivers are facing the pinch even more, with costs skyrocketing to 177.68p per litre, as experts forecast that it could rise to 182p by Easter.
Commenting on the concerning rise in fuel prices, Mr Leighton said “the odd pump” at some forecourts had been impacted by the fuel shortages.
He told PA: “Our fuel volumes are up quite significantly and clearly demand has been outstripping supply.
READ MORE: Petrol prices soar above £1.50 a litre in ‘unwelcome milestone’ as fuel stations charge £2.17 for diesel
Asda has warned that some of its forecourts are suffering from ‘temporary shortages’ of fuel
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GETTY/PA
“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.”
He continued, saying that the spikes in global oil prices can lead to temporary shortages, which tend to be addressed “very quickly”.
Data from RAC shows that Asda is selling petrol for an average of 145.4p per litre – almost five pence cheaper than the national average.
While this is the most expensive of the “Big Four” supermarkets, there is only a four pence per litre difference between the average cost at Asda and Sainsbury’s.
The Asda boss reported that only a small number of its forecourts had suffered with fuel shortages
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PAMotorists with diesel cars heading to an Asda forecourt could be met with average costs of 170.3p, a reduction of 7.3p compared to the UK average.
Mr Leighton also hit back against critics who have accused supermarkets of profiteering and taking advantage of a captive audience needing fuel.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have previously warned that they will step in if retailers and supermarkets try to rip drivers off.
The Asda boss said: “Our (profit) margin will be down as a result. It is very clear this is not the case.
The Asda boss rejected claims that the supermarket was profiteering from the fuel crisis
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ASDA“People ask where the money is going and the Government are getting a lot of money off the back of this.”
Experts have continued urging motorists to use price comparison websites to find the cheapest fuel in their local area and avoid costly forecourts.
The Government’s new Fuel Finder tool could help drivers save between one and six pence per litre when filling up, according to analysis.
The latest data from the Fuel Finder scheme shows that EG Rivington South PFS in Bolton is charging 184.9p for petrol, while drivers visiting MBS Building and Timber Supplies on the Isle of Arran will pay 217p per litre.
