CANVEY drivers claim they’re being “ripped off” by supermarkets as they are forced to pay 10p more per litre of diesel compared to Southend or Rayleigh drivers.

Cliff Larmon, 73, has revealed that he drives to Rayleigh Weir or into Benfleet to buy diesel, claiming it is significantly cheaper than where he lives on Canvey.

He claims that Sainsbury’s on Canvey sells diesel for £1.59 per litre, while Sainsbury’s in Rayleigh sells the fuel for £1.49 per litre.

Bosses at the supermarket chain insist the company works hard to ensure its petrol stations “remain competitive within their area” and prices may differ due to locations.

Mr Larmon said: “Sainsbury’s in Rayleigh was selling diesel at £1.49 per litre while Sainsburys on Canvey sells it at £1.59 per litre.

“Other garages on Canvey are also dearer too, Benfleet and even Southend have cheaper garages.

“The garages that are not on Canvey are up to 10p cheaper. It’s just a rip-off and I refuse to pay the prices at the garages on Canvey.

“I go to Rayleigh or other areas to fill up. I asked about it at Sainsbury’s on Canvey and was told the higher price is because the tankers have further to travel to Canvey.

“I work for a food bank and we don’t fill up on Canvey now.”

The prices of petrol and diesel increased rapidly after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine - peaking at new record highs in July 2022.

Prices have fallen since, but still remain much higher than prior to the Covid pandemic.

Mr Larmon added: “Everyone seems to know what is going on.

It is ridiculous and other drivers have told me they do not fill up on Canvey.

“We shouldn’t have to do this - people on Canvey are being milked. There is so much traffic on Canvey so everyone must be affected.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “Pump prices differ throughout the UK (including outlets owned by the same company) for a range of reasons, including the cost of fuel, VAT, fuel duty and the dynamics of local competition.

“We work hard to ensure our petrol stations remain competitive within their local area. For instance, we run promotions on fuel, including bonus Nectar points and money off per litre when spending a qualifying amount in our stores.