Motorists are being warned about a huge hidden fee when paying at the pump across Tesco petrol stations.
A deposit charge of £120 has been implemented at stations to replace a £1 pre-authorisation charge as part of attempts to stamp out fuel theft.
The supermarket piloted the scheme at selected pumps in June.
Tesco has received backlash over the new system after a driver was charged £120 after filling up with £15 at an Esso Tesco in Ardwick Green, Manchester, this week.
Tesco has received backlash over the new system
PA
Another driver said they were “absolutely fuming” after noticing the same charge had been made to her account a week earlier.
The driver Scott said he was shocked when he checked his account and saw the deposit had been taken.
After being unable to contact his bank, he returned to the petrol station and spotted a sign inside warning customers of the charge.
The warning said: “Please note, paying at pump with your card will automatically charge £120 then refund the difference back to your account from your fuel total.”
“I was gobsmacked, the financial implications of this are huge,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
“They shouldn’t be putting this in in the first place. Have more security at pumps if that is the issue.
“What if there was a family filling up on their way to Tesco and only had £120 left in their bank and then went to try and do a food shop and couldn't pay?
“It is crazy. The sign is inside the shop so how is someone supposed to know about it if they pay at the pump?
“I’m lucky that I have access to funds until the money comes back into my account but it’s the principal.”
Most supermarkets and energy suppliers are understood to be imposing a holding fee soon with an amount up to £120 being held for a short time before being released.
Asda tried the same scheme in 2018 but scrapped it following a similar outcry from drivers.
Scott said he has been left waiting more than 12 hours and had still not received the £105 holding fee back into his account.
Supermarkets and energy suppliers are expected to introduce holding fees
PA
Tesco is expected to roll out the system across all garages by the end of the year.
A spokesman for Tesco said: “We’re really sorry to hear about this.
"The funds that are reserved whilst a customer refuels at Pay at Pump should be immediately released back into the customer’s account.
“If this has not happened, we would recommend that the customer contacts their card issuer to resolve the issue.”
