UK: Sainsbury's reopens 100 petrol stations stores

Until now, customers could only pay via a booth or at the pump and were unable to grab essential items from the stores.

Sainsbury's is set to reopen 100 petrol stations stores more than a month after closing them due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions. The supermarket announced the move as part of a phased approach to eventually reopen all its locations in the United Kingdom.

The 100 locations set to open again are implementing social distancing measures and have put perspex safety screens in place to safeguard staff and customers.

Sainsbury's reiterated its promise to keep prices fair. "We are encouraging customers to check our store locator for the latest opening hours in their area before they shop. Fuel is priced locally and we always aim to be competitive," said the grocery retailer in a statement.

The supermarket has also extended its shopping hours this week, with main locations now open from 8am until 10pm, or to 11pm in some areas. Elderly and vulnerable customers still get priority between 8am and 9am on certain days - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday -, while NHS workers have been granted access between 7.30am and 8am on Monday and Saturday.