Supermarkets in 2p fuel price cut battle

Supermarkets are bracing themselves for another fuel price war. Picture: Getty

• Major supermarkets set to cut fuel prices

• Asda announce 131.7p cap on petrol and 135.7p for diesel

• Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco also to cut up to 2p a litre from petrol and diesel

Asda, traditionally the cheapest at the pumps, struck first, announcing today a maximum of 131.7p for petrol and 135.7p for diesel at its 217 forecourts.

Tesco followed suit, which was then copied by Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. However, Asda said its prices would remain 2p cheaper than Tesco’s.

The moves came hours after a prediction by the Automobile Association that prices would continue to fall, by 3p over the next two weeks, because of a cut in wholesale prices and a supply glut. This follows a series of price cuts by the supermarkets this year.

The AA’s monthly fuel price report today showed petrol is 3p cheaper than in March, and diesel 4.6p is cheaper.

Asda petrol trading director Andy Peake said: “Our national price cap benefits everyone across the country, meaning that no-one filling up at Asda will be forced to pay a premium for their fuel because of where they live.”

Tesco petrol category director Peter Cattell said: “As Britain’s biggest fuel retailer with 497 forecourts, more motorists make savings at Tesco petrol filling stations than any other fuel retailer.”

Sainsbury’s head of fuel Richard Crampton, said: “We are always looking at ways to help our customers save money and we know that fuel is a big part of household budgets which is why we are pleased to announce that from tomorrow, we will be cutting petrol and diesel prices by up to 2p per litre across our 280 forecourts.”

Morrisons petrol director Mark Todd said: “Wholesale prices are continuing to fall and that’s great news for customers because we’re able to keep passing these savings on to them. As always, we’ll continue to offer some of the lowest prices on the market.”