Hard-pressed motorists have been given some festive cheer with the news a major supermarket has cut the price of petrol.

Asda yesterday announced it would take 2p off the cost of a litre of unleaded.

In an added bonus, the retailer, which is one of the city's biggest private employers, promised to cap the price of unleaded at 126p per litre and diesel at 134p for the foreseeable future.

Shoppers welcomed the move but some questioned how long the price freeze could last.

Andy Peake, Asda's petrol trading director said: “With Christmas just around the corner and finances tighter than ever, we're pleased we can do our bit to make our customers' hard-earned cash go a little further.

“Other scrooge retailers should share the Christmas spirit and follow our lead.”

The firm, which has stores in Hollingbury and Brighton Marina, said it was able to reduce the prices due to a reduction in wholesale oil prices.

However, when asked how long the low prices would last, a spokeswoman for Asda told The Argus that retaining the price caps all depends on whether oil prices maintain such a low wholesale price.

But with oil prices notoriously unstable, it is not known if prices could shoot back up by the start of the New Year.

The spokeswoman said: “Hopefully we'll be able to keep prices this low for as long as possible, but the oil market fluctuates all the time.”

Following the news, The Argus took to the streets to speak to motorists about the freeze.

James Canfield, 24, said: “I always come to Asda to get my fuel - it's got the best prices even without the caps. I'd stay with them even if I ended up paying a few more pence, so I say good for them.”

Andrew Forsyth, 45, said: “It's difficult not to be cynical and think that they just want to get in as many people as they can for the Christmas period - it would be nice to see the prices all year round.”

Sayed Salih, 27, said: “It's pretty good for people travelling to see their families - I know Asda are making bundles of money from it.”

Tristan Parks, 42, said: “I say keep the prices this low - if they can afford to do it now then I reckon they surely they could do it for the rest of the year.

“If prices stay low then I'll keep on getting my petrol here.”