CAR users in Worcester are missing out on a festive deal cutting fuel prices at all Asda petrol stations around the country.

With drivers planning to travel an average of 819 miles this month as they go to and from friends and relatives for festive celebrations, the supermarket chain has pledged to cut fuel prices at all of its 229 petrol stations to 126.7p per litre for unleaded and 134.7p per litre for diesel from today – 3.2p cheaper than the average price for both types of fuel in the Faithful City.

But drivers in Worcester will not be able to take advantage of the deal, as the nearest branch of the supermarket chain with a petrol station is in Cheltenham, 33 miles away.

Although a full tank of fuel for the average-sized car – around 60 litres – will be £2.52 cheaper for petrol and £1.62 cheaper for diesel, a round trip of about 66 miles from Worcester to Cheltenham would cost a total of £10.03 at the average mile per gallon for a car in the UK of 37.837.

Asda’s petrol trading director, Andy Peake, said: “With Christmas just around the corner, and finances tighter than ever, we’re pleased we can do our bit to make our customers’ hard-earned cash go a little further.

“We’re putting money back in their pockets regardless of where they fill up. Other Scrooge retailers should share the Christmas spirit and follow our lead.”

However, the good news for Worcester motorists is that shortly after Asda’s announcement, rival supermarket chain Tesco entered the fray, announcing plans to decrease prices by 2p for petrol and 1p for diesel, also starting today.

A Tesco spokesman said: “As Britain's biggest fuel retailer this means more motorists can make savings and earn Clubcard points at Tesco's 498 Petrol Filling Stations than at any other fuel retailer.”

However, although this means Worcester’s three Tesco petrol stations will be among the cheapest in the city, along with Northwick Service Station in Ombersley Road, the average price for fuel here remains unchanged at 131.9p per litre.

Motorists in the city will still be missing out on the savings being offered elsewhere.