Crime & Safety
UK drivers urged to fill up petrol and diesel before 5pm tomorrow
Motorists across the country, including Oxfordshire, are being encouraged to top up before tomorrow evening as fuel costs are expected to shift.
This comes in the wake of falling oil prices, triggered by the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a temporary truce between the United States and Iran.
The two countries announced on Tuesday that they had agreed to a fortnight-long ceasefire, which includes restoring passage through the strategic waterway.
READ MORE: Asda responds as UK drivers hit with fuel station shortages
This passage is part of a route that carries around a fifth of the world’s daily oil shipments.
News of the agreement sent international markets into retreat, with crude values sliding sharply.
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since hostilities flared in late February, a disruption which sent petrol prices soaring worldwide.
According to experts, despite the immediate fall, it will take some time for drivers to feel the full benefit of the reopening at the pump, while many have predicted that for the prices to significantly drop will take around two weeks.
As prices often rise towards the end of the week, ensuring to restock before then will benefit your wallet, with 5pm on Thursday being the suggested cut-off time.
READ MORE: Sainsbury’s issues statement to UK drivers amid fuel shortages
William Fletcher, CEO of Car.co.uk, said: “Prices usually rise on Thursday evening and stay elevated through Sunday.
“If you can plan ahead and fill up mid-week instead, you’ll typically save 2-3 pence per litre, which adds up quickly over a year of driving.”
A statement from Scrap Car Comparison added: “When it comes to saving money on fuel, the advice is simple: fill up early in the week.
“We typically see prices rise towards the weekend, with Friday and Saturday being the most expensive days due to increased leisure travel.”
This comes after reports that Tesco in Banbury was out of fuel last week, while others said there was no diesel at several other petrol stations in Oxfordshire.
READ MORE: Morrisons responds on fuel shortages affecting UK drivers
These issues were widespread across the UK as drivers faced empty pumps at forecourts across Norfolk, as the price of petrol and diesel continues to rise.
The Eastern Daily Press reported that the disruption to supplies caused by the Iran conflict in the Middle East was having an impact on fuel.
Similarly, in North Yorkshire, there were also reports of fuel issues as well as in other places across the country.
This newspaper approached several supermarket brands to see how Oxfordshire stores’ petrol stations have been affected.
READ MORE: Police statement after shopper poos on shelf at The Range
Asda was one of those contacted, but the supermarket giant refused to comment on the situation at this time.
When approached, Morrisons informed this newspaper that MFG owns and operates all of the chain’s fuel stations.
MFG then refused to comment at this time when subsequently contacted.
Sainsbury’s issued a comment, which referred to the stores across the UK as a whole, informing drivers that sites would be resupplied if shortages occurred.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We are actively monitoring stock levels in all locations and continuing to resupply sites where needed.”
Crime & Safety
Oxford shoppers enjoy busy city centre food festival
The Dine ‘N’ Devour Food & Artisan Festival returned to Broad Street on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, for an Easter weekend packed with street food, artisan shopping and live entertainment.
There were more than 50 food, drink and craft traders lining the street throughout the day.
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The festival featured international street food and gourmet desserts, plus craft beer, cocktails and prosecco.
At the same time, artisan stalls featured handmade jewellery, art prints, crystals, homeware, vintage fashion, candles and speciality food products.
Organisers LSD Promotions said in a statement: “Dine n’ Devour is perfect for families, couples, students and groups of friends.
“This open-air Oxford food festival offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Dogs are welcome too.”
LSD Promotions runs Gloucester Green market four days a week, from Wednesday to Saturday,
Crime & Safety
UK Firefighters issue warning over BBQs amid sunny weather
A statement from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service on social media said: “Is that actually warm sunshine with blue skies!
“Well, it may not last, but if you are thinking of having a BBQ tonight (because why not), have you checked it over before firing it up?
READ MORE: UK drivers urged to fill up diesel and petrol before 5pm tomorrow
The aftermath of a BBQ gone wrong in Oxfordshire. (Image: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)
“Gas BBQs are a safe option, but if they have been left out over the winter, make sure hoses and connections are secure and not perished/damaged.
“We are sure you would not want us turning up.”
The post on Facebook was accompanied by a photograph which showed the aftermath of a BBQ fire with damage to a garden in Oxfordshire.
Crime & Safety
Statement after shopper poos on shelf at The Range
The incident occurred at the brand’s Banbury branch on Cherwell Street at around 1.40pm on Wednesday, March 25.
With Thames Valley Police alerted to the defecation, the situation has been subsequently described as “criminal damage”.
Investigating officer, police constable Robert Watson, previously said that he is looking for people who witnessed the incident.
READ MORE: Refund update after Oxfordshire theatre cancels live shows
An initial appeal on Sunday (April 5) released an image of a woman whom the force wanted to speak to as part of the investigation.
Then, in an update on Monday (April 6), the force informed the public that they are no longer looking for the woman pictured.
A spokesperson for the Cherwell unit said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance following our appeal relating to a criminal damage incident in Banbury on 25 March.
“We have now removed the request to identify an individual, but our investigation continues.”
READ MORE: ‘Massive black smoke cloud’ billowing over Oxford
Now, Thames Valley Police has provided a third update on the incident, stating that no arrests have been made at this time.
A short statement from the force today (Wednesday, April 8) said: “No arrests have been made at the moment, but our enquiries are ongoing.”
If you have any information about this incident, you are urged to get in touch with Thames Valley Police, either by making a report online or by calling the force on 101, quoting reference 43260146564.
Witnesses can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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