THE Hereford Times is offering support for one of the thousands of beleaguered county motorists who often find they are paying more at the pump than other drivers in the UK.

Although all four major supermarkets knocked 2p off their unleaded prices on Tuesday, the average cost in Herefordshire is still 1.5p per litre above the national average according to whatgas.com.

However, help is now on hand for drivers in a new Hereford Times competition that promises one lucky winner free fuel for the year.

The latest changes saw the average price of unleaded fall to 137p per litre.

This cut is the third in just over a month as falling oil prices feed the ultra-competitive fight to win motorists’ business.

Craig Preedy, of Herefordshire driving instructors Wyedrive, knows as well as anyone the effect fuel prices can have on a business’ margins.

And he believes fuel companies could still be doing more.

“The last time oil was at $100 a barrel we were pa ing between 115-119p per litre,” said Mr Preedy.

“Although the cut is welcome, I believe the supermarkets could still be doing more.”

Supermarkets have historically been slower than independent garages at reacting to the falling price in oil because of the sheer size of their operations, but these recent price cuts are an indication that this is changing.

See page 12 of today's Hereford Times for full details on the free fuel competition.