Tesco and Asda cut petrol prices

Hard-pressed motorists received some good news tonight when two supermarkets announced cuts in the price of their petrol.

First, Tesco said it would be reducing the cost of its petrol by up to 3p a litre from Wednesday, then, Asda said it was cutting its petrol by 2p a litre, with the reduction taking effect the same day.

Asda said its new pricing would mean motorists would pay no more than 129.7p a litre for petrol, with diesel costing 137.7p.

RAC technical director David Bizley said: "Every penny off fuel makes a difference for motorists.

"Our members are telling us that the price of fuel is having a negative impact on their lives as they are cutting social and family journeys in an effort to save money.

"This will help make it a little more affordable for families to travel to spend time together this Christmas. What would really make this festive period special would be for the Chancellor to announce next Wednesday that he is scrapping the 3p duty rise planned for next January.

"In particular people living in rural areas are at their wits' end. They are telling us that they have no alternative and are having to cut back on other essential household bills in an effort to keep their cars on the road in order to get to work, school and maintain contact."