O'Brien backs petrol discounts

Woolworths Ltd chief executive Grant O'Brien has defended the company's use of petrol discount vouchers, after the competition watchdog flagged possible court action on the promotion, The Australian reports.

According to the newspaper, Mr O'Brien said Woolwoorths would continue to offer fuel discounts to customers.

"Fuel discounts have been in place for 17 years at Woolworths, so it's not new... it's provided greater value to customers, and value that they're happy with - they vote with their feet," he said.

Mr O'Brien said Woolworths would consider different promotional offers if a court ordered an injunction to stop the discounts, The Australian reports.