The company did, however, confirm that the decision to terminate the long-standing partnership was “a particularly difficult one, but necessary in the current business environment”. Arval was unable to make anyone available for comment.

There are currently 1,200 BP-branded stations in the UK, but only the 300 company-operated ones are certain to be affected. The fuel firm has suggested its independently run BP-branded stations might still accept Arval cards, depending on the decision of the operator. The 300 BP-owned stations can be identified by the fact that everything on the forecourt, including the shop, is BP branded. The company has apologised for the inconvenience this move will cause.