Search for cheap petrol

The recent turmoil in world oil markets means there is a huge variation in the price of petrol across the capital.

Industry experts blamed the dramatic range on retailers' responses to the fluctuation in the price of oil.

Ray Holloway, director of the BMI Petrol Retailers' Association, said: "In normal times there is very little differential between petrol stations. Retailers watch their competitors and price themselves pretty closely.

"But when you get a situation like we've had over the past few weeks, different factors come into play and it takes a little time for the market to settle down."

The cheapest litre of super unleaded in London - 81.9p - was found at Cyma station at Parliament Hill, while the most expensive was being sold at the Total garage in Chelsea Cloisters off Sloane Avenue, at ?1.12. The Total station also charges 99.9p for a litre of unleaded petrol - 20p more than the cheapest in the capital, sold at Sainsbury's Nine Elms for 79.7p.

Lisa McCarthy, 34, was putting super unleaded in her Jeep at the Total in Chelsea. She said: "I live nearby, so this place is convenient for me. I know it is expensive so I'm just going to buy a bit to get me out of the area, and then fill up somewhere cheaper later on."

The supermarkets have led the way in the cost-cutting war after the recent prices surge. At Safeway in Camden Town, motorist John Bynner, 65, said: "I would rather pay more and support an independent retailer, but convenience is everything."

Petrol prices rose sharply earlier this month when a Saudi terrorist attack sparked oil supply fears and sent world prices to a new $42-a-barrel high. They slipped back when Opec agreed to increase production.

Mr Holloway advised motorists to shop around. "The consumer is all-powerful - it's up to them to vote with their wheels."

The AA said sticking to speed limits, turning off air-conditioning and making sure you're not carrying excess weight can all ease fuel consumption.

The price range for diesel in London is the narrowest, said the AA. The most expensive litre is 85.9p compared to the 82p national average, while the cheapest is 79.7p at Sainsbury's Nine Elms. The dearest LRP is 88.9p and the cheapest, at Texaco Star Chalk Farm, is 85.9p.