Drivers are being strongly advised against using supermarket fuel, as a leading mechanical expert issued an urgent notice.
UK Drivers Warned to Avoid Supermarket Fuel Despite Recent Price Drops
According to GB News, there are approximately 1,500 supermarket petrol stations across the UK, attracting a large number of drivers every week who seek the most cost-effective options for refuelling their vehicles.
As of now, a litre of unleaded petrol in the UK costs around 143.25p, while those using diesel are projected to spend 148.14p per litre.
Based on RAC Fuel Watch's data, petrol and diesel prices are anticipated to drop further, after having decreased by approximately 2p per litre for each fuel in recent weeks.
Yet, Reaz, a seasoned mechanic and garage owner with over 17 years of experience, has warned drivers to “avoid supermarket petrol at all costs”.
He pointed out that fuel is often one of the most underestimated aspects of vehicle maintenance. Despite the widespread presence of supermarket fuel stations throughout Britain.
Reaz argued that supermarket fuels typically do not contain the essential detergents needed for proper fuel system maintenance. He recommended that drivers regularly alternate between premium and standard fuels to ensure optimal performance.
He stated that following these practices would help avoid early failures in the fuel system. He said: “It's a simple practice that can extend the life of your vehicle's engine.”
UK Petrol Price Trends: Supermarket vs. Motorway Stations
Tesco and Morrisons offer the lowest petrol prices among major supermarkets, averaging 139.7p per litre. In contrast, Sainsbury's charges 140.4p per litre, and Asda has the highest price at 141.4p per litre.
Tesco is also known for offering the lowest diesel prices among the big four supermarket chains, with a typical cost of 144.5p per litre.
This price is only 0.2p lower than Morrisons on average, with Tesco customers saving 0.8p per litre compared to Sainsbury's and 1.6p more than Asda.
Increased competition among major retailers has led Essar to offer petrol at an average of just 136.9p for petrol.
On the other end of the pricing scale, Esso, BP and Shell are all setting the highest prices at 143p, 144.5p and 145.4p each.
The RAC Fuel Watch data reveals that some Shell stations set their petrol prices at 168.9p per litre, a notable 35.1p higher than the lowest price of 133.8p per litre in other stations.
Similar trends can be noticed with diesel prices. Essar offers the lowest rates at 141.9p per litre, while Shell is the only major retailer with prices exceeding £1.50 per litre.
Drivers are also urgently warned to stay away from petrol stations at motorway service areas, where prices can be extremely high due to their isolated position.