ISLANDERS are being offered cheap coal for the winter, as a price war has started between Jersey’s two supermarket groups.

Sandpiper and the Channel Islands Co-op announced within hours of each other that they are importing large amounts of cut-price coal from the UK to help Islanders who are struggling with the increasing cost of living. Sandpiper is selling a 20-kg bag for £7.72, with an extra incentive of buying three bags for the price of two.

UK orders The Co-op is selling bags for £6.99, but currently has no multiple-buy offer.

The supermarkets announced the major UK orders after one of their main suppliers, Jersey Coal Distributors, announced a 20% price rise, and the other Island coal distributor, Patch Distributors, warned that they would increase prices in the near future.

Both supermarket groups will continue to sell the locally supplied coal, but at a higher price than the directly imported product.