The Neilston Petrol Pump Offers Locals Low Prices

John Robb of John Robb & Son in Neilston, East Renfrewshire, sells unleaded petrol for 168.9p and diesel for 183.9p, both of which are among the lowest prices in the area. He claims that his company is doing so to alleviate locals' concerns about poverty.

It comes as large retailers face criticism for failing to pass on wholesale pricing reductions to customers. According to the RAC, average petrol pump prices fell by over 9p in July to 182.69p per litre, while diesel prices fell by nearly 7p to 192.38p per litre.

The motoring lobby, however, claims that drivers are still paying too much at the pump when compared to wholesale costs, which have dropped by 20p in the last eight weeks. It is estimated that petrol will cost roughly 167p per litre. Mr. Robb instantly reduced his gasoline and diesel pricing to match the most recent weekly wholesale cost.

When asked why he didn't wait to drop rates like other larger companies, the shop owner told BBC Scotland: "We're in a tiny community, and that reflects poorly on you."

We're here for the long haul. We're not here for a quick buck. "We're here to assist the community as much as they support me."

He claims that the petrol station, which has been passed down through four generations of his family, makes "no money at all" from fuel sales and that it is currently a "break-even operation."

However, the plan has resulted in an increase in clients visiting the Neilston firm's workshop. "It creates a lot of business," said Mr Robb. "You tend to know because the cab drivers are the first to arrive." As a result, they must broadcast it over the radio.

"Seeing a lot of taxis is always a sign that you're competitive."

Lower costs are welcomed in a community dealing with a cost-of-living crisis. "People aren't shy about speaking out about prices," Mr Robb added.

"Most of it's cheerful, but you can feel the nervousness, the fear in their cheeks, because it's a significant expense filling your car these days," he continued.

According to the Neilston company owner, marginal profits may explain why forecourt owners have been slow to lower their pricing. "Over the years, we've all been operating on very thin margins, and perhaps some people are attempting to recuperate some of their losses," he explained.

"It's not a business you'd start." "We're now a four-generation company." It's always been there, and we'll keep doing it as long as we can afford our expenses." It was impossible to make a living from it. It's a no-win situation. That is why there are so few remaining sites."