With the cost of living crisis continuing to affect people's pockets, the varying price of fuel has been a source of frustration for many in recent months.

This can be exacerbated by the fact that fuel prices often vary significantly from place to place around the country.

However, some Moorlands residents have been left confused by the fact that the price of fuel even varies when it is being sold by two branches of the same company, that are only a few miles away from each other.

The prices of petrol and diesel offered by the Sainsbury's petrol station on Wharf Road in Biddulph differ from those offered by Sainsbury's at their petrol station on Churnet Way in Leek. This is despite the two stations being run by the same company and being only eight miles apart.

Here are the current prices as of today (Tuesday 2nd August):

Biddulph

• Diesel - 186.9p
• Petrol - 181.9p

Leek

• Diesel - 188.9p
• Petrol - 178.9p

To make matters even more confusing, the best deal differs depending on which fuel you're after. The cheaper diesel of the two stations is offered in Biddulph, but you'd have to go to the Leek station if you wanted the cheapest petrol.

So why do petrol prices vary from station to station? Sainsbury's say the reason for the difference is to ensure their stations "remain competitive within their local area" and prices at each station are worked out "using locally gathered pricing information".

Sainsbury's said: "The fuel market is extremely competitive and prices are very volatile in the current climate. Prices differ throughout the UK and you will see varying prices even between outlets owned by the same company.

"We want to ensure our petrol stations remain competitive within their local area, offering customers a fair price wherever they live. We therefore adjust the price at each station using locally gathered pricing information.

"We also run regular promotions on fuel including bonus Nectar points and money off per litre when spending a qualifying amount in our stores. Visit our Store Locator to find your nearest petrol station and store details."