Sainsbury’s mistakenly sells fuel 44p cheaper than national average in huge petrol and diesel price glitch

MOTORISTS flocked to what they thought was the UK's cheapest petrol station after prices dropped below 134p a litre after a major price glitch today

It meant that drivers could get diesel for 44p a litre cheaper than the national average.

Petrol drivers also saved 28p a litre if the forecourts prices were compared to the national average at the time of the price glitch.

A Sainsbury's petrol station in Leigh, Wigan was selling unleaded petrol at 133.9p a litre.

The supermarket forecourt sold diesel for 135.9p a litre.

Sainsbury's was forced to close the forecourt as drivers flocked to fill up with the heavily discounted fuel.

But in a rare turn of events, the supermarket honoured the cheap fuel for those lucky enough to have filled up their tanks.

The average price for unleaded is around 162p a litre, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,

And the average price for diesel is 180.8p a lite.

The price at Sainsbury's forecourt in Leigh left motorists "queuing" for the cheap fuel according to those nearby.

One person from the local area posted on Facebook: "I've just driven past and the queues are unreal."

Another said: "I've just been and the queues are blocking the road now."

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: "Our Leigh Atherleigh Way petrol filling station closed temporarily today after a systems error displayed incorrect fuel prices.

"We’re sorry for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused."

Drivers were looking out for cheap petrol prices over the summer when the cost of filling up increased.

A Texaco garage in Walkden, Greater Manchester attracted motorists from miles around after it started selling unleaded petrol at 159.9p a litre - 27p cheaper than the national average at that time.

In the same month, drivers rushed to a Shell garage at Trago Mills in Devon after unleaded petrol was being sold at 164.9p a litre - a whole 20p cheaper than was available then.

Petrol prices have since gone down from previous highs, falling by nearly 7p a litre last month - the sixth biggest monthly drop since 2000.

But petrol retailers have been criticised for not passing on the savings to motorists.

Drivers should have seen a further 10p reduction if retailers squashed their margins, according to RAC Fuel Watch.

Since unleaded peaked on July 3 at 191.53p, almost 29p has come off a litre leading to a saving of nearly £16 on a tank.

Diesel prices also dropped from 183.74p a litre to 180.16 in the same period.

But according to RAC Fuel Watch, motorists should be seeing bigger cuts at the fuel pumps - but retailers are keeping their charges high.

The falling value of the pound has also fuelled further costs at the pump.

But industry experts are warning that fuel costs could soar for British motorists - as a cut in oil exports is expected to push wholesale prices up.

How can I cut fuel costs?

There are ways to save an extra 5p per litre if you sign up for major supermarket loyalty schemes.

Esso has partnered with Nectar for its loyalty scheme and you can get 5p off a litre when you swap 300 Nectar points.

Drivers with a BPme rewards card will get one point for every £1 they spend in-store or on a litre of regular fuel at a BP garage.

Motorists will get £1 off their fuel or shopping for every 200 points.

Texaco, Shell, Sainsbury's and Tesco loyalty card holders can also get money off their bills.