Does this drive you mad? (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Does this drive you mad?

A motorist buys petrol from Sainsbury's in Melksham (30579)PETROL prices at a major supermarket chain differ by 3p a litre at stores just six miles apart, according to a survey by the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News.

While Sainsbury's in Bath Road, Chippenham, was one of the cheapest petrol stations for unleaded petrol, just six miles away at the store's branch in Bank Street, Melksham, petrol prices were among the most expensive.

The difference, 86.6p a litre in Melksham compared to 83.6p in Chippenham, means a large number of drivers are making the extra journey to Chippenham just to fill up.

A spokesman for the RAC said the large price difference was rare over such a small distance.

He said: "That's a bit unusual. One of the things that has kept petrol prices down has been the competition provided by the supermarkets.

"Without them prices would undoubtedly be higher than they are now.

"So it strikes me as a very unusual situation that two outlets from the same company charge different prices."

With the average car holding 36 litres, the cost of filling up in Melksham each time is more than £1 more.

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said plans were in place to reduce the gap to two pence in the next few days. "We are obviously committed to making sure people get the best value in their local area," he said.

"We do make sure there is a pricing policy within a four-mile radius.

"We do try and keep the gap as narrow as possible and do review it every day."

While some drivers say the difference in price is only minimal, drivers who travel long distances for work purposes say they are forced to find the cheapest petrol.

At Tesco in County Way, Trowbridge, where petrol is 85.9p a litre, we spoke to motorists to find out whether price or convenience influenced where they filled up their cars.

Richard Forrest, 31, of Trowbridge, said: "I travel around a lot, so try to get my petrol in Manchester as I work up there. Wiltshire is far more expensive than the north west or the Midlands, where it is three or four pence cheaper."

Delivery driver Robert Argar, 31, of Trowbridge, said supermarket loyalty cards played a big role in his decision.

He said: "As a company we are told to use Tesco's, and I would use them as well, otherwise you are going to spend an absolute fortune."

But others are unconcerned by the difference and say convenience is more important.

Hayley Greenman, 44, of Trowbridge, said: "I have not got a clue how much petrol is. I just come here as it's just easy. But I would imagine Tesco is fairly competitive.

"I go to Bath and back every day, but I would not go out of my way to go somewhere because it was a couple of pence cheaper.

"I just like to get it over and done with as quickly as possible."

Price comparison

Sainsbury's (Chippenham) 83.6p

Sainsbury's (Melksham) 86.6p

Tesco (Trowbridge) 85.9p

Total (Westbury) 85.9p

Murco Service Station (Bradford on Avon) 86.9p

Morrisons (Warminster) 85.9p

(prices correct as of June 15)