Owner of East Yorkshire’s cheapest petrol station claims independents ‘care…

The owner of one of East Yorkshire's cheapest petrol stations has explained what sets it apart from supermarkets, and why there is a need for more independent fuelling stations around the country. The Oasis Garage, in Long Riston, made headlines a few months ago for its consistently cheap fuel, with owner Oliver Blake explaining that the petrol station keeps its prices low simply because they choose not to overcharge people. “We earn enough to be a functioning business,” says Oliver, “so as long as we hit our margin, we pass the savings on to our customers”. The petrol station has been owned by the Blake family since the 1960s, with Oliver taking over in recent years as his father moves towards retirement. Speaking to Hull Live, the 28 year old explained why fuel from supermarkets can sometimes be priced higher, and why there is a need for more independent fuelling stations. Read more:Hull schools boss who earns £200k under fire for 'waste of money' flight to US Oliver claimed supermarkets look to make more money from fuel when there is a need to maintain their margins amid nationwide concerns that wholesale price reductions were not being fully passed on to customers. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that increased supermarket profit margins led to drivers paying an extra 6p per litre for fuel last year. The inquiry also found that an increase in margins on diesel across all fuel retailers cost drivers an extra 13p per litre during the first five months of this year. Oliver said: “This is why people are charged more money when they fill up at supermarkets, whereas we sell fuel cheaper simply because we can. The country needs more independents because they care more about their customers and offer a level of ser
SEE FULL ARTICLE