Drivers warned of 'noticeably higher' Easter travel costs after average petrol prices top 150p a litre
Temporary shortages reported at some Asda forecourts
Drivers are warned that the cost of getting away at Easter will be "noticeably higher this year" as average petrol prices topped 150p and Britain’s second largest fuel retailer reported temporary shortages at a few of its forecourts.
The RAC said unleaded was at its highest for nearly two years while average diesel prices have reached almost 178p - the highest since 2022.
Asda said the shortages had affected “the odd pump” at a small number of its petrol stations amid tight supplies linked to conflict in the Middle East.
But it rejected accusations that petrol sellers might be "profiteering" from higher pricing in recent weeks.
The industry said supplies of both petrol and diesel remained “stable”.
A joint statement from Fuels Industry UK chief executive Elizabeth de Jong and Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, which represents independent filling stations, said: “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.”
Petrol and diesel prices have increased significantly since the end of February after the war between Iran and US-Israeli forces led to disruption in the production and supply of oil from the Middle East.
Allan Leighton , executive chairman of Asda , said the retailer has seen bumper demand from drivers in response to the volatility in prices.
He said: "Our fuel volumes are up quite significantly and clearly demand has been outstripping supply.
"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."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK government would step in if retailers try "to rip off customers" through price gouging.
But Mr Leighton said "no, we are not" when asked if the business was profiteering.
He said: "Our (profit) margin will be down as a result. It is very clear this is not the case.
"People ask where the money is going and the Government are getting a lot of money off the back of this."
Colin Walker, head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “Rising costs at the pump will add hundreds of pounds to the running costs of the average British driver, highlighting the impact of our dependence on volatile energy markets over which we have no control.
“Meanwhile, many of the drivers of the 1.8m electric vehicles (EVs) on the UK’s roads will be shielded from these price shocks.
“Accelerating the transition to EVs – increasingly powered by electrons generated by British wind and solar farms – is the best way the UK can end its dependency on foreign oil and protect its drivers from these sudden spikes in fuel costs.”
Meanwhile, Orkney and Shetland Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael has warned that airlines introducing fuel surcharges because of the Middle East conflict should also publish a “trigger point” for when prices will be reduced again.
He said many carriers had begun to add surcharges to reflect rising fuel costs due to attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran and its neighbours, and a partial blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
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