Supermarkets lead way in petrol price cuts

7:34pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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PETROL prices have been slashed by up to 5p a litre at pumps across Bolton.

Supermarkets have lowered their prices following a fall in the cost of crude oil.

Asda announced yesterday that it would cut the cost of unleaded and diesel by 3p a litre, while Morrisons has slashed prices across the board by 4p a litre.

Sainsbury’s is planning to cut its prices by 5p a litre for customers who spend at least £50 in store.

AA president Edmund King urged other fuel retailers to follow suit.

He said: “We have seen two drops in European wholesale fuel prices so far this summer, with the UK motorist seeing next to no benefit.

“Since mid-July, the wholesale gasoline price has fallen six percent and the AA expects fuel suppliers to pass on, not pocket, the saving for the good of UK families, hauliers and the economy.”

The price of a barrel of oil has dropped from a peak of 147 US dollars to 130 US dollars in recent weeks, and Asda and Morrisons said they were responding to the fall.

Asda has promised that every store across the country will sell unleaded at 113.9p a litre and diesel at 128.9p a litre. These prices were in effect at Asda in Horwich yesterday. The petrol station at Asda in Astley Bridge is closed for refurbishment until Friday.

Morrisons undercut Asda on Tuesday, with the Harwood and Chorley Old Road stores both charging 111.9p for unleaded and 125.9p for diesel.

This was a 4p drop on Monday’s prices, but only 3p for diesel in Harwood, which was being sold at 125.9p on Monday.Sainsbury’s in Trinity Street, Bolton, was unchanged from Monday, selling unleaded at 116.9p a litre and diesel at 129.9p a litre. Bosses say the special offer reduction of 5p a litre will come into effect on Thursday.

julian.thorpe@thebolton news.co.uk