Motorists in the UK have been issued a warning against refuelling at leading supermarket chains such as Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Tesco. Allied Autocare has highlighted the potential drawbacks of using supermarket fuel, cautioning that while it may seem cheaper initially, it could end up costing more in the long term, particularly amid the current cost-of-living crisis. The advice comes as motorists face tough decisions about where to fill up their tanks, with the price of fuel on the rise. The message from Allied Autocare is clear: “Fuel from branded retailers tends to come with a higher price tag than that of supermarkets. Their fuel is portrayed as higher quality and better for your car’s engine. Retailers like BP, Shell, and Esso often include additives in their fuel to enhance fuel efficiency. This means that fuel from supermarkets, lacking these additives, could result in higher long-term costs.”
The concern is echoed by Right Fuel Card, as reported by the Daily Star, pointing out that while supermarket fuel does contain some additives, it is likely in lower concentrations compared to branded counterparts. Additionally, the option of ‘super-unleaded fuel’ is highlighted as offering better quality than standard unleaded, particularly beneficial for high-performance vehicles such as sports cars. The emphasis is on the importance of considering the long-term effects and overall performance of the fuel being used, rather than just the immediate cost savings. It’s a reminder that quality and additives can play a significant role in the efficiency and maintenance of a vehicle’s engine, potentially impacting running costs over time.
Research conducted by the RAC Foundation shows that a significant majority of households, approximately four out of five, with a car or van have easy access to a major supermarket petrol station nearby. The analysis reveals that out of the 19.6 million UK homes with access to a car or van, 15.2 million are within three miles of a Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, or Morrisons fuel station. Extending the radius to five miles encompasses 17.3 million households, which accounts for 88% of the total. These figures indicate the convenience and prevalence of supermarket petrol stations across the country, making them a popular choice for many drivers.
According to data from Experian Catalyst and the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), which represents independent fuel forecourt owners, there are currently 8,394 petrol stations in the UK. The availability of petrol stations, both branded retailers and supermarkets, offers consumers a wide range of options for refuelling. However, amidst discussions on fuel quality and additives, drivers are reminded to consider the potential long-term implications of their choice of fuel provider. The debate continues on whether the immediate cost savings of supermarket fuel outweigh the potential benefits of additives and quality associated with branded retailers.
As motorists navigate the challenging landscape of rising fuel prices and increasing living costs, the importance of making informed decisions about where to fill up becomes prominent. The conversation around supermarket fuel versus branded retailers underscores the complexity of factors that drivers need to consider when refuelling. While the allure of cheaper prices at supermarket petrol stations may be enticing, the caution from industry experts suggests that examining the overall value and quality of the fuel is crucial. Ultimately, the advice to drivers is clear – weigh the long-term implications and quality factors when choosing where to refuel to ensure optimal performance and efficiency for your vehicle.