A REPORT by the BBC claimed Liphook is one of the most expensive areas in the south for buying petrol.

As a result of Sainsbury’s supermarket holding a monopoly in the village, motorists are currently paying £1.32 for a litre of unleaded fuel and £1.31 for diesel at the supermarket, while Sainsbury’s Waterlooville store further down the A3 only charging £1.20 and £1.25 respectively.

While all supermarkets have national prices on groceries, their fuel prices vary widely across the country, the BBC report said.

Residents have vented their anger on the Liphook community website, writing to Sainsbury’s head office and have received a response from Craig McEwan at the company’s executive office, which was published on the forum.

Mr McEwan pointed out the fuel market was very competitive and prices were very volatile in the current climate, differing across the UK and account for varying prices between outlets owned by the same company.

He said: “We always want to ensure our petrol stations remain competitive within their local area, offering customers a fair price wherever they live.

“To achieve this, we adjust the prices at each station using locally gathered pricing information.”