Asda expects to benefit from the Competition Commission’s proposed “competition test” for new supermarket openings, because it will mean it is able to double the number of shops it opens a year.

The introduction of the test would allow the retailer to close the gap on market leader Tesco, which has criticised the test as anti-competitive.

Asda chief executive Andy Bond believes that if the proposal were implemented, Asda would be able to open about 20 stores a year.

He said: “The only net beneficiary of the competition test will be Asda. We will grow faster as a consequence.”

The recommended test, which forms part of the Competition Commission’s multimillion-pound investigation into the supermarket sector, would bar supermarkets with a certain number of stores from building new shops in certain areas.

Meanwhile, Bond is asking Asda suppliers to review their cost bases and cut overheads before asking for price increases from the retailer.

He said: “My objective this year is to lower prices for customers. I have earned the right to ask suppliers not to increase prices until they’ve earned the right by becoming more efficient.”

Yesterday, Asda announced plans to create 9,000 jobs this year by opening about 20 stores, as well as pushing its online operation as part of a£400 million expansion programme.

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