INDEPENDENT rural petrol stations are facing an increasing battle just to survive, as they struggle to compete with their bigger rivals.

Many of the stations also act as convenience stores in their local communities, but dozens have closed over the last few years, in yet another blow to the rural economy.

Gordon Moore, who owns the Border Reiver Station in Knowesgate, Northumberland, said the margin on fuel from his station is tiny.

He said: “Most rural petrol stations are under real pressure just to survive. We make no money from fuel at all.

“About half our customers just use us as a shop, we provide an essential mini mart service to the community, selling bread and milk and other groceries. “People rely on us.

“People have accused us of profiteering in the past but that is not what happens. We make about three pence a litre on fuel, we just can’t compete. The big supermarkets have massive buying power, that is why they can sell fuel so cheap.

“There are very few places were you can get fuel now out here. If many more stations close it could start to have an impact on tourism because people won’t know if they can get fuel if they drive out here.

“The Government will have to think about introducing some kind of subsidy because we are not on a level playing field at the moment.”

Last week The Journal reported how the rising cost of fuel was hitting taxi drivers, hauliers and other businesses.