DORSET drivers are waking up to the least expensive petrol prices in months this morning after a fresh supermarket price war began.

Yesterday several chains slashed 3p per litre from their prices, with Tesco leading the way and Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons quickly following.

From today Asda said it would cap petrol prices at 130.7p per litre and diesel at 134.7p – the lowest they have been for some time.

Tesco UK chief executive Richard Brasher said: “We know our customers are feeling the pinch at the moment, so we want to pass on the benefit of a fall in oil prices straight away.”

Andy Peake, Asda’s petrol director, said: “Once again Asda leads the way in saving drivers money, and, unlike others, our price cuts are across the board.

“That’s why no one will pay a premium for their petrol, to fund lower prices in another town around the corner.”

The price of Brent Crude oil hit a fourth-month low yesterday after members of the International Energy Agency said they would sell reserves on the world market.

The news will give some respite to beleaguered motorists battling sky-high fuel prices.

AA president Edmund King said: “We welcome this rapid 3p reduction in fuel prices and hope that other retailers will follow this lead.

“Earlier this week the AA revealed that high fuel prices are now affecting a record three-quarters of drivers who are having to cut back on journeys, cut back on other expenditure, or cut back on both.

“Reduced fuel prices will help the general economy to recover, as lower prices at the pumps mean more spending elsewhere.”

RAC motoring strategist, Adrian Tink, said: “This looks like it’s the start of a price war at the pumps, which can only be good news for motorists.

“Our motoring report this week showed the detrimental impact high fuel prices are having on family life with people having to cut back on visiting family, taxiing children and maintaining their social life.

“These cuts will certainly help those struggling but the price of fuel is still eating away into over-stretched family budgets.”