Motorists in Maldon have expressed their frustration at petrol prices in the town, which are up to 20 pence extra per litre for fuel, compared with nearby towns.

At Morrisons in Maldon today (July 21) unleaded petrol cost 191.9p per litre. However, at Morrisons in Witham, unleaded petrol cost 172.9p per litre.

In a Facebook post, Lynda Townend criticised 'greedy supermarkets' and encouraged locals to "vote with their feet" to encourage petrol stations to lower their prices.

Petrol and diesel at Morrisons in Maldon is currently 1p per litre cheaper than it was last Wednesday (July 13), at 191.1p for petrol and 198.9p for diesel.

A spokesperson for Morrisons told Nub News: "In the UK, petrol prices vary from town to town and even neighbourhood to neighbourhood and we will always strive to be competitive in each local area.

"Occasionally this can mean price differences between different areas open up.

"We continually review our prices and will look to reduce this difference as soon as we can."

There has also been a decrease in the price of petrol at Tesco Extra in Maldon since last Wednesday when it cost 193.9p per litre. According to Petrol Prices, it is down to 189.9p per litre today.

A Tesco spokesperson told Nub News: "We regularly monitor fuel prices throughout a local area to ensure we're providing competitive prices for our customers."

Drivers in the town have taken to social media to share their frustration at the petrol price disparity.

Some motorists have stopped using the local petrol stations altogether, as they have found cheaper fuel elsewhere.

Karen Fallon drove to petrol stations in Maldon and Witham to check their prices.

She said: "The average car takes around 50 litres to fill, and Maldon fuel stations are charging almost 20p a litre more than Witham.

"If my calculations are correct, it's costing an extra £10 a tank here in Maldon.

"Worth the journey to Witham, I'd say!"

Drivers are also opting to get their fuel in South Woodham Ferrers. At BFS Fuel Services yesterday, petrol cost just 179.9p per litre, with diesel costing 189.9p per litre. At the Shell garage, petrol cost 189.9p yesterday. At Sainsbury's, petrol cost 184.9p per litre, while at ASDA, it cost 185.7p per litre.

While some drivers have protested the fuel price rise by blocking lanes on major roads recently, one social media user said he feels protestors should focus their attention on individual petrol stations.

He said: "Instead of carrying out protests on the A12, why not protest at those garages like Tesco?

"It might be more beneficial than upsetting drivers trying to go about their business."

Have you spotted cheaper fuel elsewhere? Or want to have your say on the petrol price disparity? Get in touch.

All prices correct as of the date specified.