Drivers are up in arms over a new pre-authorisation charge of £120 when using Pay at Pump services, with many unaware of the fee until they check their bank accounts. The supermarket giant has faced backlash after rolling out the system, designed to prevent fuel theft, across its petrol stations.
The new policy, which replaces the previous £1 pre-authorisation charge, has been criticised for causing financial distress, particularly for those with limited funds. The deposit is taken before fuelling, with the difference refunded to the driver’s account once the final transaction is processed. However, some customers have reported delays in receiving their money back.
Jamie, a driver who stopped at the Fulbourn Tesco Pay at Pump, Cambridge, said he was left stunned when he noticed the £120 charge after filling up with just £15 of fuel.
“I was shocked, I thought I was the victim of an elaborate scam,” he told the Cambs News Daily. “Fortunately I just had enough on my card to cover the deposit, but what if it made me go into my overdraft?”
Another motorist expressed similar frustration after spotting the charge in her bank account days later. Many drivers have taken to social media to voice their anger, with some calling the system “unfair” and questioning if it was a ”scam”.
Tesco has responded to the backlash, stating that the funds should be released back into accounts immediately after fuelling. Tesco’s website also advises affected customers to contact their card issuer if delays occur.
The scheme was initially piloted in June and is expected to be implemented across all Tesco petrol stations by the end of the year. Other major supermarkets and fuel retailers are also expected to introduce similar holding fees, with amounts reaching up to £120.
This isn’t the first time such a policy has been met with resistance. Asda trialled a similar system in 2018 but later scrapped it following public outcry. With growing frustration among motorists, it remains to be seen whether Tesco will follow suit or double down on its new approach.
For now, drivers are being urged to check their accounts carefully after refuelling and to be aware of potential delays in getting their money back.
