BRITS have been panic-buying petrol due to an HGV driver shortage sparking huge queues outside forecourts across the UK.
As the fuel crisis deepens, we explain where to head for a midnight run to the pump.
Where are the 24-hour petrol stations in the UK?
Many of the petrol stations at major supermarkets and garages across the UK are open 24 hours a day.
This is especially true at larger stores, ones closer to bigger cities, and those on motorways or major roads.
Motorway service stations also tend to be open at all hours of the day and night.
It is always worth checking on each company’s website to confirm, but here are the most common 24-hour forecourts:
- Asda – A large number of its 320 petrol stations are open 24 hours
- Shell – Most stations operate 24 hours a day
- Esso – Almost all open 24/7
- BP – Many open for business 24 hours, while others open 5am to 10pm
- Texaco – Many are 24-hour operations, but some open 5.30am to 10pm
- Moto – Services serve customers 24/7
- Welcome Break – All should be open 24 hours
- Roadchef – Motorists can buy fuel 24/7
Where can I get petrol today?
A nationwide shortage of HGV drivers has sparked fuel shortage fears and widespread panic buying of petrol.
Motorists have been queueing at forecourts round the clock, with many now advertising supplies have dried up or major delays.
Meanwhile, a petrol station charging almost £3 per litre sold out as the country’s fuel shortage gets worse in some areas.
Countless pumps are still running on empty nationwide, with the fuel crisis a “really big problem” in London and the South East, according to the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
Petrol and diesel prices could rise 3p per litre next week with a jump in wholesale fuel prices expected to be passed on to drivers at petrol pumps.
But starting tomorrow the army will start delivering petrol to forecourts in a bid to end the fuel crisis.
The 200 troops will add to the 5,000 temporary visas for foreign truck drivers recruited to plug the shortage of HGV drivers.
It comes as the PM has admitted the delivery crisis might last months.
He did, however, stated the situation is easing.
“I appreciate how frustrating it has been, how infuriating it has been for people – the situation is stabilising,” he told Sky News.
“It’s a problem that’s been driven really by demand not by supply, though obviously we are taking all the precautions that we can.
“You need to take all possible precautions but the supplies are getting in, they’re getting to the forecourts and people need to be going about their business in the normal way.”
If you urgently need to fill up, it is worth checking local reports to find out which of your nearest stations are still operating – and the best time to visit.
Do also check individual opening times, as these vary across the country.
One of the biggest forecourt operators has placed a £30 maximum at all of its pumps to make sure it can keep customers on the road.
This means that if you live near one of EG Group’s 367 petrol stations, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to fill up, even if you can’t get a full tank.
EG Group, runs petrol stations under well-known brand names such as BP, Esso, Shell and Texaco.
The Sun has compiled a full list of locations operating the £30 limit – which might be a good place to start if you need petrol or diesel today.
But do bear in mind you may need to drive a little further afield or wait in long queues to fill up.
