THE price war between supermarkets and major petrol retailers took another turn this week when the Office of Fair Trading announced an inquiry into alleged predatory pricing. Although the battles have abated, many smaller retailers feel the effects of ultra-keen pricing, with another 1,500 independent sites forecast to close during 1997.

Many fleets have capitalised on the price war by adopting fuel policies based on filling up at supermarkets, but some fleet management companies are uneasy about casualties among smaller retailers. Confirming the review, director general of fair trading John Bridgeman said the process had been under way since April and would continue until the autumn.