Supermarkets slammed for fuel prices by RAC but free petrol offer can help

Supermarkets need to do more to cut petrol and diesel prices in order to match a drop in wholesale fuel. The RAC have slammed the retailers who aren't matching the "significant" decrease in wholesale fuel costs.

Several supermarkets, including the four major fuel sellers, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons are currently being undercut by a number of independent retailers that are passing on the wholesale cost savings to customers.

The RAC have said this change in behaviour is usually unheard of. Supermarkets have often been known to be the cheapest place to buy petrol and diesel because they buy fuel more frequently, meaning they can react quickly when wholesale prices move up or down.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis urges Brits to consider fixed tariffs as energy crisis set to destroy livelihoods

Simon Williams, RAC's fuel spokesman, told the BBC: "There appears to have been a big shift in the last few months in the behaviour of the four major supermarkets, which dominate UK fuel retailing, as they are now commonly being undercut by independent retailers that are passing on the wholesale cost savings they're benefitting from to drivers at the pumps.

"This is unheard of as the supermarkets are normally at least 3p a litre cheaper than the UK average."

As of Tuesday, August 11, the RAC reported that the average price of unleaded was 175.55p and diesel was 186.41p. Despite the wholesale costs of fuel coming down, many motorists are still struggling to fill their tanks up amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

A recent fuel deal has become available this week though which may help motorists massively when it comes to filling their tanks up at the petrol pump.

Fuel prices reached record highs earlier this year but the RAC are