Morrisons attacked over Market Drayton fuel price gap

Supermarket giant Morrisons has dismissed claims it is profiteering by selling fuel at a higher price in Market Drayton than elsewhere in Shropshire.

It comes after Howard Wilson, of Cheswardine, accused the supermarket giant of 'holding the town to ransom' by charging up to 3p a litre more in Market Drayton than at its other stores in the county.

Mr Wilson, who has MS and says his vehicle is a 'lifeline', said he was dismayed at the different prices apparently being charged by Morrisons.

But Morrisons today said although prices of fuel varied at different branches, it had a policy to be among the cheapest in the area compared to its rivals.

Yesterday diesel was being sold for 139.9p a litre at Morrisons in Shrewsbury, 140.9p in Wellington and 143.9p in Market Drayton.

Diesel was also being sold for 139.9p at Tesco in Wellington, 142.9p at the Shell garage in Newport, and 145.9p at the Tower Services garage in Market Drayton.

Mr Wilson said on Tuesday at about 4pm he noticed diesel on sale for 141.9p at Morrisons in Wellington, but about an hour later it was charging 144.9p a litre for diesel in Market Drayton.

"I cannot understand why there is this 3p difference in the price of fuel at two Morrisons stores in the same county," he said.

"I think it's disgusting as the price of fuel is a very big thing to me.

"Market Drayton is getting a raw deal for fuel and these companies are holding the town to ransom."

Julian Bailey, spokesman for Morrisons, said: "There is a difference in the price of fuel at our branches. This is because of the different property costs and different logistics costs. We have a policy where we aim to be among the cheapest in town."

Councillor Steve Glover, new mayor of Market Drayton, said: "I know of some people who went to a particular petrol station in the Potteries while they were over there and filled up because it was cheaper than in Market Drayton."