Cuts of up to 2 pence per litre (ppl) in the price of diesel have been implemented today by all the UK’s biggest supermarket groups.

The cuts appear to have been sparked by Morrisons, which announced yesterday that it would be cutting up to 2ppl off diesel prices at its 314 petrol stations from this morning.

Mark Todd, petrol director for Morrisons, said: “A drop in wholesale prices combined with an improved exchange rate has provided us with an opportunity to pass a saving on to customers and continue to offer some of the lowest prices on the market.”

The announcement was followed by Sainsbury’s and Tesco revealing a similar diesel reduction, also taking effect from today, and Asda subsequently said it was cutting its diesel price by up to 2ppl.

Sainsbury’s fuel buyer Chris Biggs said: “We’re always looking at ways to help our customers save money which is why we’re pleased to announce we will be reducing diesel prices by up to 2ppl across our 280 forecourts.”

Andy Peake, Asda’s petrol trading director, said: “Everybody filling up at an Asda fuel station will pay no more than 137.7p a litre for diesel.”

Peter Cattell, Tesco petrol category director, said: “As Britain’s biggest fuel retailer with 497 forecourts, more motorists make savings at Tesco pumps than at any other fuel retailer, with the added bonus of collecting Clubcard points. This move is just one of the ways we are offering our customers an extra helping hand.”