Welsh Government will be asked to help struggling rural fuel stations.
Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association says they are often a hub of a community life, provide more than just fuel and are a village shop or post office.
He has already written again to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak calling for an extension to business rates relief in the Spring Budget in Engand due next week.
Now Mr Madderson wants Welsh Government to do the same and help his members and the communities they supply.
“We’ll certainly approach Welsh Government to ask them to follow the lines indicated by the Scottish Government and give business rates relief a further extension.”
Fewer drivers on the road has caused revenue from filling stations to decline. For some smaller and more rural members revenue has fallen by 50%.
Unlike the major supermarkets, the lost profit cannot be offset by huge increases in their convenience store sales.
“We recommend that the 100% relief in England should follow the example of Scotland and remain in place until the end of the next financial year.
“The rates relief will promote stronger economic recovery and help the country build back better. A gradual reduction to 50% relief for a further six months could follow to avoid damage to recovering businesses.”
He added that the very rural nature of Wales and its extended road network coupled with the demise of many rural filling stations meant there were now just a few hundred PRA members in Wales but these were providing a vita service in their communities and needed Welsh Government and local councils’ support.