PETROL prices remain low in Worcester despite warnings motorists would have to dig deeper in their pockets.

Three months ago your Worcester News reported that the price per litre of petrol around the city was as low as 128.9p a litre, well down on the national average of 132.1p.

At the time the AA warned the good times wouldn't last with cars using more fuel heading into winter.

But a cold winter hasn't, as yet, materialised which could be a reason for prices remaining low.

As of yesterday (Monday 20th), four forecourts in Worcester were charging just 129.9p, about the same as the national average which has dipped to 129.8p.

They were the two Tesco stores in Warndon and St Peters, the Sainsbury's store in Blackpole and the Texaco in Northwick.

This time last year, prices around Worcester were hitting 137.9p at some stations.

"It's great to hear that Sainsbury's Blackpole are still able to offer it's fuel at a cheaper price than other retailers in Worcester," said Sainsbury's Blackpole store manager, Gavin Jones.

"Hopefully, Blackpole customers are taking advantage of this and getting a few extra miles worth of driving.

"As a company it's fantastic that we can offer our fuel at this price."

Tesco also said it was pleased its prices remain low.

"We are pleased to be able to provide great value for our customers in Worcester," said a spokesperson for the company.

Drivers may be frustrated the city's Asda store, on Silver Street in the city centre, doesn't have a petrol station after the chain last week reported it was putting a cap on its fuel prices, charging a maximum of 126.7p per litre of unleaded.

In October, prices nationally saw their biggest fall in five years.

But the AA warned drivers to make the most of the lull with, it said, the UK's limited refinery capacity and the strengthening of the US dollar threatening to bring prices back up.

"The bigger picture, with the future of refineries in the British Isles under threat, is more worrying and the AA urges the government to find ways to support them," said AA president Edmund King at the time.

Worcester still has some way to go to match neighbouring Hereford, however, which has one garage selling petrol for just 126.9p.