A FURTHER call from Worcester MP Robin Walker call for Asda to open a petrol station in the city has been rebuffed by the supermarket giant.
Mr Walker wrote to Asda arguing that city drivers would benefit from cheaper fuel prices if the store opened a filling station in Worcester, as it would boost local competition.
Research from the AA often suggests that town’s and cities with an Asda petrol station benefit from cheaper fuel prices.
His plea came as part of his ten priorities for 2016, with one being his hope to see petrol and diesel prices fall even further.
“It’s about increasing competition in the local market and making sure we have the lowest prices,” he told the Observer.
“Those areas that have an Asda benefit from cheaper prices overall.
“They [Asda] have said they are looking at bringing a garage to Worcester,” he added.
The Office for Fair Trading has previously said that Worcester drivers often seem to face higher prices at the pump compared to the counterparts in Birmingham and Cheltenham.
Back in 2012, when the store was being built, Mr Walker urged the supermarket chief executive Andy Clarke for a petrol station to be included in the new store’s plans.
His pleas have again be rebuffed by the supermarket giant which told the Observer the current development could not accommodate a petrol forecourt.
However, Asda has told the Observer they will ‘never say never’ to the possibility for their multi-million pound Lowesmoor store.
A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately this site can’t accommodate a petrol station.
“However, we never say never and it’s something we will look into the in the future as we know local people are supportive.
“The AA confirms when there is an Asda petrol station in town, everybody else lowers their prices. “That’s because we are the only petrol retailer to have a national price cap guaranteeing a fair fuel price for our customers,” he added.
