Drivers on the M1 motorway are voicing frustration over what many describe as “daylight robbery” following a sharp increase in fuel prices at motorway service stations amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Woodall Services, located near Sheffield, has come under particular scrutiny for charging 185.9p per litre for diesel and 172.9p for petrol.
One biker, speaking to the Guardian, expressed his outrage: “Do you really want to know what I think? You probably couldn’t print it. It’s daylight robbery. If prices keep rising like this, people will seriously reconsider how often they use their cars.”
Another driver recounted paying 171p per litre of petrol, noting it was around 20p more expensive than just a week earlier. “It’s ridiculous, but I can see prices going even higher if the conflict continues,” they commented. “I had this trip planned for some time, but now I might avoid the motorway on my way back to find cheaper fuel elsewhere.”
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Meanwhile, a third motorist shared that they filled up at 133p per litre before hitting the motorway, calling the service station prices “a ripoff.”
The rising fuel costs come amid escalating instability in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which threatens to push global oil prices higher.
In response to concerns, a spokesperson for Welcome Break, the operator of Woodall Services, stated: “Fuel pricing at Welcome Break is set consistently across all our motorway service areas and regularly reviewed to reflect the wider motorway market and rising fuel costs. We recognize that fuel prices are high across the industry and understand the impact on our customers. Our aim is to keep prices as competitive as possible within the motorway network while providing reliable services. We will continue to monitor market conditions closely.”