The Isle of Wight County Press has been told that around sixteen people will lose their jobs with the closure of East Cowes's Isle of Wight Fuels.

The company has not commented on the number of people affected, however a spokesman for Motor Fuel Group, the parent company of Isle of Wight Fuels (IOWF), has confirmed that the business will cease on August 7, after sixty years.

A statement reads: “Following a detailed examination of the trading options of IOWF together with individual consultation with all members of staff, Motor Fuel Group announces that it is not viable for the business to continue to trade. 

"Accordingly, and with regret, the IOWF business will close on Friday 7 August 2020.

"No fuel deliveries will be made or customer orders accepted after this date. We would like to thank our customers for their loyal patronage and our staff for their professional and dedicated service.”

The firm owns and operates the Island’s only fuel and oil storage terminal, at its Kingston Road base, and it provides fuels, oils and lubricants.

The business has domestic and agricultural customers, as well as filling stations and commercial operators.

According to Isle of Wight Fuels, it handles and stores around two weeks supply for the Island, based on current use.