Belfast filling stations run out of fuel amid shortages
A number of Tesco filling stations in Northern Ireland have been forced to ask customers to look elsewhere for their fuel, after running out during the week.
A sign had been placed outside a Tesco in Craigavon on Monday, reading “Sorry. No petrol/diesel” , while similar signs and cones were placed at petrol stations at the Knocknagoney and Newtownbreda Tesco Extra Superstores in Belfast.
Other stations throughout the wider city area have been struggling with fuel shortages, with the Sainsbury’s petrol station at Forestside being reduced to one pump, and some diesel pumps at the supermarket’s Hollywood Exchange store tied up.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said, “Some of our pumps at our Forestside petrol filling station are temporarily closed. All our sites are receiving more fuel and we’ll reopen the pumps again as soon as possible. We’re sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.”
The fuel shortages follow a small drop in petrol and diesel prices last week, after Chancellor Rishi Sunak cut fuel excise duty by 5p .
The Consumer Council of Northern Ireland said last week that the average price of petrol and diesel had dropped by 3.4p and 1.9p respectively.
Although the cut in fuel duty came into force last Wednesday, many customers may still have to wait to see any real change while retailers work through stock already purchased at the previous wholesale price.
Consumer Council spokesman Richard Williams has called on retailers to pass on savings to customers as soon as possible.
He encouraged drivers to use the Consumer Council’s online Fuel Price Checker, which breaks down average cost by area.
More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for further cuts to fuel duty. The milestone means the petition, which calls for fuel duty and VAT on fuel to be slashed by 40% for two years, will now be considered for debate by MPs.
