Petrol sales down 1.7 billion litres across UK
Gulf’s presence making an impact north of the border
Gulf is fighting the statistics as new figures point to falls in petrol sales and the number of open filling stations across the UK.
The latest government numbers show that between January and June this year 1.7bn fewer litres of petrol and diesel were sold at UK petrol stations than in the first half of 2008.
Parts of Britain are in danger of becoming ‘fuel deserts’ as the number of petrol stations hits a new low, additional research from Palmer & Harvey has warned.
Its report reveals that while there are currently 31million cars on the road, the country has fewer than half the petrol stations it had 20 years ago, leading to many areas at risk of having nowhere for motorists to refuel or shop. A prime example of the trend has been emerging in Scotland.
The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) had reported that filling station numbers in the north of Scotland and the islands had fallen to under 240 in less than five years and half the current number could close in the next 10 years.
A total of forty-four Gulf branded filling stations now extend from the Shetlands to the borders, and the recent strategic decision to invest in the area, including low volume outlets serving remote villages, has been welcomed by Scottish dealers, the communities they serve and local authorities.
The brand’s long term commitment to the region includes ongoing investment in new personnel and its supply chain, a tanker fleet of over 80 vehicles and distribution facilities in Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Skye and Stornoway.
“While it remains a worrying time for the industry as a whole, it’s not all doom and gloom,” explains Keith Jewers, Director, Gulf Retail. “Despite the difficulties of recent years, there is still plenty to be optimistic about in petrol retailing with many operators enjoying growth and healthy profits. Dealers know they can rely on a recognised brand and strong support network in Gulf.”
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