Motorists across the UK are being warned to prepare for potential disruption as the country's largest supermarket chains and petrol station operators confirm a raft of changes to their opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.
Supermarket Giants Announce Festive Schedules
Tesco has confirmed that operating hours for its stores and petrol filling stations will vary significantly. The retailer stated that all of its sites will be closed on Christmas Day. For other days, customers are strongly advised to use the Tesco store locator tool online to check the precise times for their local forecourt.
Asda has highlighted that its petrol stations will maintain a pay-at-the-pump service, allowing drivers to refuel even when the main store is shut. The general store schedule for the festive season is as follows: Christmas Eve from 5am to 7pm, Christmas Day closed, Boxing Day from 9am to 6pm, and normal hours from Friday 27th to Monday 30th December. For New Year, hours are New Year's Eve 7am-7pm, New Year's Day 9am-6pm, and normal hours resuming on Friday 2nd January.
Sainsbury's reported that most of its supermarkets and convenience stores will stay open between 6am and 11pm from 18th to 23rd December. Its petrol stations will typically open 30 minutes before and close 30 minutes after the main store, except on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve when they will open an hour later. On Christmas Eve, supermarkets will trade from 6am to 7pm.
Morrisons and Shell Adjust Their Services
Morrisons will keep normal trading hours until Monday 22nd December. Between Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th (Christmas Eve), its petrol stations will operate from 5.30am until midnight. Like its rivals, all Morrisons stores, forecourts, and cafes will be shut on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, Shell has indicated that opening times for its garages and forecourts may differ depending on the individual location, urging drivers to plan ahead.
Planning Ahead to Avoid Festive Frustration
The collective message from all retailers is clear: drivers must check ahead to avoid being caught out. With variations between chains and even between individual locations, assuming standard opening hours could lead to inconvenience during the busy holiday season.
The changes underscore the importance of planning journeys, especially for those visiting family or travelling during the break. Relying on pay-at-the-pump facilities where available may provide a useful alternative when main kiosks are closed.
