Major UK petrol stations to close early on Sunday for the Euros

Petrol station

Sainsbury’s will close more than 1,000 stores

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Hemma Visavadia

By Hemma Visavadia


Published: 13/07/2024

- 09:42

Updated: 13/07/2024

- 10:26

Petrol stations to close by 7.30pm on Sunday

Motorists have been warned that major supermarket petrol stations across the UK will shut early tomorrow as the country prepares for the Euros final.

Sainsbury’s and Tesco will shut their fuel stations earlier on Sunday to watch England in the finals.


But drivers have been urged to fill up before the closure time to avoid being left stranded and in need of fuel.

It comes as Sainsbury’s announced that it will close more than 1,000 Sainsbury’s Local convenience stores and all petrol stations from 7.30pm on Sunday night.

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Tesco petrol station

Tesco to close stores at 7:30pm

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This is roughly three hours earlier than usual with forecourts typically staying open until the late evening around 10pm or 11pm.

Tesco on the other hand plans to close 1,800 Tesco Extra stores at 7.30pm on Sunday night to allow staff enough time to get home for the 8pm kickoff.

Kevin Tindall, managing director of Tesco UK stores, said: "We are delighted that the Three Lions have reached a second successive Euros final after a nail-biting last gasp win over the Netherlands last night.

"We appreciate just how much this means to so many of our colleagues, so we want them to be able to celebrate with their family and friends."

Clodagh Moriarty, chief retail and technology officer at Sainsbury's, told GB News: "We want to give our colleagues the chance to tune in live and cheer on England with friends and family.

"The atmosphere in stores is electric after last night's win and everyone is working hard across the business to make sure our customers can find everything they may want for the match."

Sainsbury's stores will open at normal time on Monday morning.

Currently, the average price for a litre of petrol is 144.94p per litre, while diesel drivers pay just over £1.50 a litre.

As petrol and diesel prices continue to reach unaffordable heights drivers have been urged to take advantage of tips which could save them money.

The RAC explained that for fuel to remain competitive and affordable, it would need to drop to at least 145p.

Simon Williams, fuel spokesperson for the motoring organisation, said: "We feel the current margins being charged by larger retailers are extremely unfair on drivers struggling to get by in the cost-of-living crisis.

"The big four supermarket retailers, which dominate fuel sales, are once again flatly refusing to cut their prices in the wake of much lower wholesale costs."

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Petrol station

Petrol is 144.94p per litre, while diesel drivers pay just over £1.50 a litre

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The supposed worst time to buy petrol or diesel is believed to be at midday or after 5pm when most people are done with work. One expert explained that a common saving tip for drivers is to fill up late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

Gordon Wallis, from Your NRG, stated that while small changes in fuel volume due to temperature can affect fuel efficiency, the "difference is usually very small and can only save pennies per fill-up, though it can add up over time for careful drivers".

Data from the RAC found that supermarkets are charging roughly 11p a litre on petrol and 16p on diesel compared to 3p and 8p in 2019.

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