With the holiday season fast approaching, UK drivers may need to rethink their refueling plans. Major supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Asda, are adjusting petrol station hours over Christmas. These changes could create challenges for travelers, especially those hitting the road on key holiday dates. Preparation will be key to avoiding potential disruptions.
Tesco Petrol Stations : Altered Hours Over Christmas
Drivers in the UK are being urged to plan ahead and familiarize themselves with the altered operating hours of Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Asda petrol stations. Changes to opening times during Christmas and Boxing Day could cause inconvenience if not anticipated, particularly for those traveling over the festive period.
- Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24): Tesco Extras and Superstores will close at 7 pm, while Express stores will shut by 10 pm—though some may close earlier at 7 pm.
- Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25): All stores and petrol stations will be closed.
- Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26): Tesco Extras and Superstores will operate from 9 am to 6 pm. Most Express stores will open between 9 am and 7 pm.
This shift in hours requires drivers to prepare for limited access to Tesco petrol facilities, especially on Christmas Day.
Asda : Pay-at-the-Pump Convenience
Asda’s petrol stations are largely equipped with a pay-at-the-pump service, allowing 24/7 fueling during the festive season despite store closures. However, store hours are altered as follows:
- Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24): Stores close at 7 pm.
- Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25): All stores and petrol stations will be closed.
- Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26): Stores reopen with reduced hours from 9 am to 6 pm.
Asda’s pay-at-the-pump option provides flexibility, but customers should be aware that no assistance will be available on Christmas Day.
Sainsbury’s : Convenience and Timeliness
Sainsbury’s petrol stations adjust their schedules to align with store hours but provide additional operating time to accommodate UK drivers. Here’s the breakdown:
- Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24): Supermarkets open from 6 am to 7 pm, with petrol stations opening 30 minutes earlier and closing 30 minutes later.
- Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25): All stores and petrol stations will be closed.
- Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26): Supermarkets open from 9 am to 6 pm, with petrol stations extending hours similarly.
Normal operating hours resume between December 27 and 30, making Sainsbury’s a reliable option post-Christmas.
Morrisons : Limited Availability
Morrisons stores and petrol stations will also have altered hours over the holiday period :
- Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24): Stores and petrol stations operate until 7 pm.
- Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25): All facilities will be closed.
- Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26): Most petrol stations reopen with reduced hours, generally from 9 am to 6 pm.
UK drivers relying on Morrisons facilities should ensure they fill up in advance, as Christmas Day closures will affect availability.
Key Numbers for UK drivers
- Tesco petrol stations: Closed on Christmas Day; 7 pm closure on Christmas Eve.
- Asda stores: 7 pm closure on Christmas Eve; 24/7 fueling with pay-at-the-pump.
- Sainsbury’s supermarkets: Open 6 am to 7 pm on Christmas Eve; petrol stations offer extended hours.
- Morrisons: 7 pm closure on Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day.
| Supermarket | Christmas Eve (Dec 24) | Christmas Day (Dec 25) | Boxing Day (Dec 26) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco | Extras/Superstores: Close at 7 pm Express: Close by 10 pm (some at 7 pm) | Closed | Extras/Superstores: 9 am–6 pm Express: 9 am–7 pm | Prepare for limited access on Christmas Day. |
| Asda | Stores close at 7 pm | Closed | Reopen 9 am–6 pm | Pay-at-the-pump available 24/7, but no assistance. |
| Sainsbury’s | Supermarkets: 6 am–7 pm Petrol: Open 30 min earlier and close 30 min later | Closed | Supermarkets: 9 am–6 pm Petrol: Extended hours | Normal hours resume Dec 27–30. |
| Morrisons | Stores and petrol stations close at 7 pm | Closed | Petrol stations: 9 am–6 pm | Fill up in advance due to closures on Christmas Day. |
Preparing for the Holiday Rush
UK drivers are advised to plan refueling around these schedules to avoid disruptions. The Christmas season, combined with changes to operating hours, could lead to unexpected delays for UK motorists who leave fueling to the last minute.
