Sainsbury’s to reopen 100 petrol station shops after closing them due to coronavirus

SAINSBURY’S is reopening 100 petrol station shops this week in the latest coronavirus update announced by the supermarket. Until now, customers had been asked to pay for their fuel at the pump or at a pay booth. But in an email to shoppers, the grocer confirmed drivers will soon be able to pay for their […]

SAINSBURY’S is reopening 100 petrol station shops this week in the latest coronavirus update announced by the supermarket.

Until now, customers had been asked to pay for their fuel at the pump or at a pay booth.

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But in an email to shoppers, the grocer confirmed drivers will soon be able to pay for their petrol in stores once again.

Sainsbury’s said 100 forecourt branches will be back up and running by this Friday.

Its remaining petrol station shops will then reopen in the coming weeks, although no date has been set.

To help keep staff safe, Sainsbury’s is installing perspex screens at checkouts.

The supermarket also said petrol station shops will be following strict social distancing measures.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s CEO, said on April 23: “We are installing perspex safety screens in our petrol filling station stores and these will start to re-open from next week.”

It comes as petrol prices fell to under £1 per litre in the lowest drop since 2016.

Sadly, this price isn’t being offered by the major UK supermarkets – you’ll need to visit independent pumps or your nearest Costco to get petrol this low.

In more Sainsbury’s updates, the supermarket is also increasing its opening hours so shoppers have more time to browse.

The majority of stores will now remain open until 10pm or 11pm.

Supermarkets were previously open from 8am to 8pm, while convenience store hours varied.

The supermarket had been forced to reduce hours to help give staff extra time to clean and restock shelves.

Sainsbury’s still has its dedicated shopping hour for elderly, vulnerable and social care workers, between 08.00 and 09.00 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

NHS workers can also shop from 07.30 to 08.00, Monday to Saturday, before stores open.

As open hours may vary, shoppers should use the online store locator to check the most up-to-date operating times.

Sainsbury’s has more than 2,300 shops in the UK.

We’ve asked the supermarket how many petrol station branches it has and we’ll update this article when we know more.

Asda and Sainsbury’s customers say they’ve been waiting up to four weeks for refunds for returned or substituted items.

A new website has also launched to help you find supermarket delivery slots if you’re struggling to get food delivered.

Meanwhile Home Bargains is the latest store to launch an essentials food box.