Fuel costs have become a growing concern for drivers, with average UK petrol prices reaching their highest point in several years. The discount gives Tesco shoppers a limited opportunity to reduce the cost of filling up, although the saving is subject to specific conditions.
Tesco Voucher Scheme Gives Customers Limited Time to Claim Fuel Savings
Tesco customers who spend £60 or more in store can receive a voucher offering 5% off their fuel purchase at Tesco forecourts. The voucher can be used on both petrol and diesel, with the maximum saving set at £10. The in-store spending offer runs until Sunday 16 August, while vouchers can be redeemed until Sunday 23 August. Customers must present the voucher in paper form when paying for their fuel.
According to recent figures, average UK petrol prices have reached 159.89p per litre, marking their highest level since November 2022, after previously falling from a peak of 191.55p per litre in 2022.Â
The increase in pump prices has been linked to the wider impact of the Iran conflict on oil markets. Petrol prices reached 160p per litre on Friday, around 27p higher than before the conflict began, while diesel prices stood at around 179p per litre, approximately 37p above earlier levels. The discount comes as drivers continue to manage higher fuel costs, with retailers introducing measures aimed at helping customers reduce their spending at the pump.
Rising Fuel Prices Linked to Increase in Unpaid Forecourt Incidents
Higher fuel prices have also coincided with a rise in reported fuel theft incidents at UK forecourts. According to Forecourt Eye, incidents of fuel taken without payment increased by 20% during the five months after the conflict began on 28 February, compared with the previous five-month period.
The company’s analysis, based on reports from a representative sample of 550 forecourts, found that the estimated value of stolen fuel reached an average of £194,000 per day across the UK’s 8,359 petrol stations during that period.
Forecourt Eye reported that first-time offenders accounted for a 23% rise in incidents and a 26% increase in fuel volumes stolen. Repeat offenders saw increases of 17% in incidents and 20% in fuel volumes.
The figures include drive-offs, where no payment attempt is made, as well as cases where customers fill up and say they cannot pay. According to Forecourt Eye managing director Michelle Henchoz, operators need technology that helps them manage crime and support investigations as offending becomes more organised. Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said independent forecourts were reporting higher levels of abuse and aggression towards staff who have no control over fuel prices.
The issue has also affected smaller petrol station operators. Ben Lawrence, director at Lawrences Garages, said some drivers mistakenly believe fuel theft affects large oil companies rather than independent businesses operating branded sites. He said unpaid fuel costs directly affect those businesses.
