Supermarket group Morrisons has blamed pressures on the consumer for a fall in like-for-likes during the first quarter.

Morrisons posted a 1% slip in like-for-likes, excluding fuel, during the period. Total sales advanced 1.5%.

The grocer described the performance as “satisfactory” in the circumstances.

Morrisons said: “As expected, the economic environment for the consumer has remained challenging, with the high price of oil and other commodity prices putting pressure on disposable incomes.

“Against this backdrop we have continued to keep prices low for our customers without compromising on quality. “

The retailer reported that it would continue to keep costs under tight control and remains confident of continued profitable growth.