Rush for last UK lightbulbs

The EU is banning sales of the familiar tungsten bulb – in use for more than 100 years – from September.

But with nearly nine months to the deadline, supermarkets and other hardware retailers are expected to run out of supplies in weeks.

Consumers are being pressured to switch to compact fluorescent bulbs. Even though supposedly energy saving, critics argue that they are more expensive and not as bright.

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Over the past three years, 100 watt and 60 watt tungsten versions have disappeared from shelves after former environment minister Hilary Benn announced the switch.

Four months ago all 75 watt bulbs were banned. The remaining tungsten bulbs will follow suit. And now 40 watt bulbs are set to go.

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The 60 watt candle and mini-globe golf ball-size bulbs, are also disappearing.

It has been an offence since September 2009 to manufacture or import any frosted or “pearl” incandescent bulb or any clear bulb with a power of 100W or more.

On Monday Tesco announced that it had put its last consignment of traditional 40 watt bulbs on sale. But its merchandise planning manager John Wheeler said: “Although some people are sad to see the old lightbulbs go they will be saving money with the new ones.

“The 80 per cent energy-saving lightbulbs are now much quicker than they used to be and are at full brightness in a few seconds and 30 per cent energy-saving ones are at full brightness instantly. The changeover will save the country millions of pounds.”

The old-fashioned bulbs are also flying off the shelves at Asda. Raj Varma, its buying manager for DIY, said: “We have just put into store the last batches of our incandescent/tungsten lightbulbs.”

A Waitrose spokesman said: “We are on track to meet the phase-out deadlines for all tungsten bulbs.”

The Energy Savings Trust, set up by the Government and energy firms, says fluorescents “use up to 80 per cent less electricity than a standard bulb, but produce the same amount of light”.

But American lighting expert Howard Brandston, who has lit up world-famous monuments, including the Statue of Liberty, believes compact fluorescent lamps will present “serious health, environmental, and basic living concerns” for everyone. They contain mercury which can be dangerous if the bulb breaks.

On his website he writes: “CFLs warrant safe clean-up when broken, as well as proper disposal-recycling.” Most CFLs will end up in landfills.