Several York petrol stations closed after running out of fuel

Several York petrol stations are closed after running out of fuel this evening (Thursday, 2 April).

The start of the big Easter getaway, combined with worries about fuel price increases due to the Iran war, has prompted extra demand for both petrol and diesel.

Tesco at Askham Bar is shut, with a prominent sign saying ‘No fuel available’. The kiosk remains open.

Morrisons’ petrol station on Foss Island is also closed.

At Monks Cross, Sainsbury’s had no fuel and was coned off. Over the road Asda, when YorkMix visited at 5.50pm, was still operating, albeit with lanes cordoned off.

There were big queues to get fuel there, however.

Tesco at Clifton Moor had most lanes still open, although there were signs saying ‘No Momentum at these pumps’. At least one lane also said ‘No diesel’.

On Hull Road, Inner Space Stations appeared to be operating normally, with no lane closures.

The Shell garage on the corner of Green Dykes Lane was open, as was the BP garage further down Hull Road, albeit with a lane closure.

Oil prices – which have a significant effect on the cost of wholesale fuel – have soared in response to Iran’s stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The RAC said the average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts on Wednesday was 184.2p, up 29% since the war started on 28 February.

Average petrol prices have reached 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16% over the same period.

Millions of drivers are embarking on Easter getaway trips despite the soaring costs.

The AA estimated that 21.7 million journeys across the UK were planned today (Thursday).

Most drivers are planning to keep their Easter journeys relatively short, according to the AA.

Just over half (53%) expect to travel under 50 miles, with 5% planning trips of between 50 and 100 miles.

About 1% expect to travel between 100 and 200 miles, with fewer than 1% planning to clock up more than 200 miles.