Fuel Deal Suspension and Charity Response
Chelvatheebam Chelvam, managing director of Grove Retail Ltd, a petrol station company, has expressed concern that public criticism from a lifeboat charity regarding his company’s decision to suspend a free fuel deal could discourage future charitable donations.
Chelvam explained that the suspension of the free fuel provision was a temporary measure prompted by increased operational costs amid rising fuel prices, which have been influenced by the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
The charity affected, Nith Inshore Rescue (NIR), stated last week that the cessation of the free fuel supply came as a "profound shock" and warned it would significantly impact their life-saving services.
Chelvam conveyed his disappointment at the charity’s reaction, suggesting it reflected a "lack of appreciation for the significant and sustained assistance we have given over many years."
Historically, Grove Retail Ltd’s fuel donations supported both rescue boats and blue light response vehicles operated by NIR. The charity emphasized that these fuel supplies were essential for their ability to "train, respond and save lives."
St Michael's Services, which operates petrol stations in Dumfries, Newton Stewart, Dalry, and Moffat, was sold earlier this year to Grove Retail Ltd, a company with a network of sites across the UK.
This month, Grove Retail Ltd formally notified NIR that the free fuel arrangement, valued at thousands of pounds, would be terminated immediately.
Chelvam told the BBC that the decision was influenced by factors beyond the company’s control.
"Like many businesses, we are currently managing significantly increased operating costs due to rising fuel prices,"
"As a result, we have temporarily paused the provision of unlimited free fuel to ensure our charitable contributions remain responsible and sustainable."
He expressed disappointment that the charity chose to publicly criticize the company on social media immediately after the temporary pause was implemented, especially considering the long-standing support provided.
"Public criticism of businesses for reviewing charitable contributions is not a constructive approach and may discourage future support for worthwhile causes,"
"The significant increase in fuel prices has placed us under considerable financial strain, creating serious challenges for our business."
Chelvam noted that fuel cost prices fluctuate daily in line with global crude oil prices, which has affected their ability to match local pricing, resulting in reduced fuel sales and financial losses.
"We are often operating on very low margins and, in many cases, at a loss,"
"Our review remains ongoing, and this temporary pause should not be interpreted as a lack of appreciation for the vital work carried out by NIR within the community."
Charity's Community Support and Future Plans
Nith Inshore Rescue reported that since publicizing the situation, the support received from the community has been "overwhelming."
The charity also confirmed that it has secured a fuel supply agreement with two new sponsors and plans to announce further details soon.
The independent lifeboat service operates from a base at Glencaple.
