Tycoon says lifeboat charity's criticism could 'discourage' future donations

A petrol station tycoon has said that a lifeboat charity's "public criticism" of his company's decision to halt a free fuel deal could "discourage" future donations.

Chelvatheebam Chelvam, the managing director of Grove Retail Ltd, said the decision had been made "temporarily" in the face of increased costs due to rising fuel prices as the US-Israel war with Iran continues.

The charity, Nith Inshore Rescue (NIR), said last week that the move had been a "profound shock" and would have a serious impact on life-saving services.

Chelvam said he was "disappointed" and that the charity's ire showed a "lack of appreciation for the significant and sustained assistance we have given over many years".

Previously, his company's fuel donations were used for both rescue boats and blue light response vehicles.

The charity said they were essential to the group's ability to "train, respond and save lives".

St Michael's Services runs petrol stations in Dumfries, Newton Stewart, Dalry and Moffat.

The long-established family business was sold to Grove Retail Ltd - which has a network of UK sites - earlier this year.

It wrote to the lifeboat charity this month to inform them that the free fuel deal - worth thousands of pounds - would have to end with immediate effect.

Chelvam told the BBC it was due to factors outwith the company's control.

"Like many businesses, we are currently managing significantly increased operating costs due to rising fuel prices," he said.

"As a result, we have temporarily paused the provision of unlimited free fuel to ensure our charitable contributions remain responsible and sustainable.

"We are disappointed that the charity chose to publicly criticise the company on social media immediately following the introduction of this temporary pause, particularly in light of the long-standing support we have provided."

"Public criticism of businesses for reviewing charitable contributions is not a constructive approach and may discourage future support for worthwhile causes," he added.

"The significant increase in fuel prices has placed us under considerable financial strain, creating serious challenges for our business.

"Our cost prices change on a daily basis, in line with fluctuations in global crude oil prices."

He said that as a result they were unable to match local pricing which had led to reduced fuel sales and financial losses.

"We are often operating on very low margins and, in many cases, at a loss," he said.

"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."

NIR said the support it had received from the community since it revealed the situation had been "overwhelming".

It added that it had already secured a deal for fuel with two new sponsors and would announce the details soon.