Petrol at Tesco

[10ClarionSt]

I went to Tesco Prestwich, Manchester, which is 4 miles from where I live. The price of petrol was 2p per litre dearer than Tesco Rochdale, which is also 4 miles from where I live, but in the opposite direction.

I sent an email to Tesco asking them to explain this price difference.

They sent me the usual bullsh1t reply which said how much they valued my custom and my concern, and the matter will be referred to some committee or council that meets every month.

In other words **** off.

Every little helps.

[dot.hawkes]

I paid 95.9 p/l at 2.45 today at tesco wigan and 93.9 p/l at the same tescos on the 9th

[dot.hawkes]

that was for the unleaded not the super-unleaded

[dot.hawkes]

that is 6 miles from where I live

[heathfield]

You'll find different prices for the same items at different Tesco stores, depending on the size and location of the store, and the proximity of other supermarkets. A couple of weeks ago, our local Tesco put up in-store banners advertising items at prices below those charged by Asda and Sainsburys. Customers complained when they found they were being charged more at the checkouts than the advertising banner prices. Red faces at Tesco - the banners should have gone to another of their stores.

However, I've found that If you fill out a Customer Complaint Form, giving your phone number, they will call you (eventually) to discuss the problem. That way, they can't just fob you off with a standard reply.

[pedderwo]

I think you will find that the large stores will keep there prices low until the local competition can compete no more then hike the prices up to as much as they can. i.e. you will find that Prestwich has less competition for petrol than Rochdale, for now!!!

[tell-me-more]

I doubt very much that the cost of the product has anything to do with it at all. I believe Tesco just vary their prices in order to maximise their profits. Simple as that.I'm sure if they can get 2p a litre more in one place than in another, they will, because every little does help them.

Opponents of Tesco's practices claim that "very little helps" but I find not shopping there helps. It hasn't prevented Tesco from continuing to operate as they do (I can well believe the episode that Heathfield described relating to undercutting Sainsbury's) but it helps me to have the peace of mind that comes with not feeling you have to be on your guard against potential tricks. I don't want to have to be reading small print all the time and checking my receipts etc.

Unfortunately, most consumers seem to crave short-term gratification from what they perceive as low prices. If and when Tesco become the only place to shop and therefore become able to charge effectively what they like for their goods, we'll all pay a very heavy price indeed.

I understand this is already the situation in some places in America, only with Wal-mart taking the place of Tesco.