Asda fuel warning: Are we really facing 'temporary shortages' of petrol?

Asda said some of its local forecourts are running low (Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) Petrol and diesel supplies have been in the spotlight since the Iran war started, but what is the situation really like in the UK right now? Drivers have been getting mixed messages after the Middle East conflict hit oil prices, with advice including to drive more slowly, but also to continue as normal. Thrown into the mix are also earlier reports of panic buying and accusations of price gouging at forecourts, which sparked a response from the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Fuel shortage fears were heightened after Asda’s executive chairman, Allan Leighton, hinted that some of its forecourts are running low. UK’s nationwide supply of petrol is ‘stable,’ the industry watchdog confirmed (Picture: Reuters) Meanwhile, the price of petrol has reached above 150p per litre for the first time in almost two years. Are the ‘shortages’ affecting all petrol stations? No, the temporary shortages have only been reported at some individual Asda pumps, which is the second-largest fuel retailer. The Asda boss stressed that the issue is not nationwide and is only affecting ‘the odd pump’ at a small number of its forecourts. Skyrocketing prices have fed into the bumper demand, Mr Leighton said. He also rejected claims that some petrol retailers migt be ‘profiteering’ from higher pricing. He said: ‘Our fuel volumes are up quite significantly and clearly demand has been outstripping supply. Fuel advice for drivers Most seasoned drivers have had to deal with rising pump prices in the past, including through Covid-19 and the start of the Ukraine war. However, there are still some golden rules motorists can follow during uncertain times. The AA motoring expert shared these tips if you want to save fuel: Reduce speed and keep more distance between you and the vehicle in front for a more efficient drive Opt to walk or cycle for short journeys, or use public transport Ian Edwards, the director of New View Consultants and specialist in road safety, told Metro what tends to happen when petrol prices surge: ‘The most likely option is that people will stop using their cars as much. ‘When they do drive they will try and save fuel by driving differently. ‘This called eco driving and is about reducing the load on the engine by accelerating more gently, decelerating earlier, ensuring your tyre pressure are correct, leave more room between you and the vehicle in front, and as this reduces the need to speed up and slow down, removing anything unnecessary from the vehicle to reduce weight and turn air conditioning off at slower speeds.’ ‘Supply is tight and we are all trying hard on that. ‘The issue is a temporary one, and some could see issues when we are waiting for delivery, and we can expect to see that continue. ‘The spikiness at the moment makes this tricky for us, as spikes can lead to temporary shortages. These are temporary and are addressed very quickly.’ RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: ‘Petrol has now broken through the unwelcome milestone of 150p a litre, something drivers haven’t seen since mid-May two years ago, while the average price of diesel is now approaching 180p at 177.68p. {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Government 'will not tolerate' fuel price gouging during Iran crisis","contentUrl":"https:\/\/videos.metro.co.uk\/video\/met\/2026\/03\/12\/146310806332160879\/480x270_MP4_146310806332160879.mp4","description":"Energy Secretary Ed Miliband spoke to Metro about what the Government is doing to help people as fuel prices spike in response to the US\/Israeli war in Iran.","duration":"T1M23S","height":270,"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/03\/12\/19\/107089357-0-image-a-3_1773343448148.jpg","uploadDate":"2026-03-12T19:20:22+0000","width":480} To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page window.addEventListener('metroVideo:relatedVideosCarouselLoaded', function(data) { if (typeof(data.detail) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel.el_) === 'undefined') { return; } var player = data.detail.carousel.el_; var container = player.closest('.metro-video-player'); var placeholder = container.querySelector('.metro-video-player__up-next-placeholder'); if (placeholder) { container.removeChild(placeholder); container.classList.add('metro-video-player--related-videos-loaded'); } }); ‘With the long-awaited four-day Easter weekend almost within touching distance, the cost of getting away by car is going to be noticeably higher this year.’ The price of consumer petrol and diesel is up because issues and uncertainty hampening the supply chain and oil trade, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. UK fuel supply is ‘stable’ Across Britain, fuel supply is not running out, the industry watchdog has confirmed. Fuel Industry UK said the supply of petrol and diesel is ‘stable.’ A spokesman for the group said: ‘Companies are monitoring the fuel supply situation closely and reporting regularly into the energy department on the status now and for the weeks ahead. ‘Supply remains stable in the UK and our members are working hard to ensure that remains the case.’ Fuel Industry UK CEO Elizabeth de Jong and Petrol Retailers Association executive director Gordon Balmer said in a joint statement: ‘We’re aware of reports circulating about fuel availability at a small number of forecourts for one retailer. ‘Supply across the UK is flowing normally and there is no need for any change in usual buying habits,’ Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page.