Asda yesterday cut the cost of unleaded and diesel by 3p a litre and Morrisons swiftly followed suit by cutting the price of unleaded and diesel by 4p a litre.

Retailers said they were responding to the recent drop in the price of oil which has seen the cost of a barrel drop by 6 per cent in recent weeks.

Paul Eckersley, store manager at Morrisons in Keighley Road, Illingworth, Halifax, which is now offering unleaded at 113.9p and diesel at 126.9p, said: "People have been very happy with it and it is good to see a few more smiles."

Asda at Bradford Road, Bradley, near Brighouse, was selling unleaded petrol at 113.9p and diesel at 128.9p yesterday.

John Wilkinson, supermarket manager, said: "I'm delighted to offer our customers some relief with lower prices.

"Hopefully this is a trend that will continue"

Tesco at Brighouse, which has a petrol station, said it had no plans to enter the bidding but vowed to offer competitive prices and offers.

Halifax Sainsbury's said it recently offered petrol at 5p per litre cheaper for customers who spent £50 or more in store but had no other reductions in the pipeline.

Local drivers today reacted positively to the news, saying a cut in prices was long overdue.

Bruce Kopasz, an AA patrol driver who regularly tours Calderdale, said: "It is really good news and nice to see a positive attitude from the big chains.

"This will make a big difference to the money coming out of our pockets and, especially at the moment, will hopefully cheer people up."

The Courier reported on Saturday that sky-high prices were seeing an increase in fuel thefts with businesses across Calderdale being targeted.

Edmund King, president of the AA, which has expressed concern over the thefts, said: "Since mid-July the wholesale gasoline price has fallen 6 per cent and the AA expects fuel suppliers to pass on, not pocket, the saving for the good of UK families, hauliers and the economy."