Real-time fuel price comparisons now available for UK drivers
A new scheme to help drivers find the best fuel prices
If you want to make sure you’re not paying more than necessary for fuel, a new government initiative could make it much easier to find the best prices nearby.
The Fuel Finder Scheme now allows motorists across the UK to quickly compare petrol and diesel prices. Under the new rules, petrol stations must report any price changes within 30 minutes, allowing third-party apps and websites to display near real-time information. Regulators believe this will encourage stronger competition between retailers and help drivers avoid overpaying.
The scheme forms part of a wider government push to improve pricing transparency in the fuel market. Petrol stations and fuel retailers must now submit price updates to a central open database whenever prices change.
Previously, sharing fuel price data was optional. Under the new policy, it is now compulsory for all businesses selling petrol and diesel to participate.
The move follows recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which has conducted several investigations into pricing practices at UK forecourts. In its latest review, the CMA found that competition between fuel retailers remained limited, while profit margins at the pump were consistently higher than expected.
Regulators have also highlighted a pricing trend often described as fuel prices that “rise like a rocket but fall like a feather.” This means retail prices tend to increase quickly when wholesale oil prices rise but take longer to decrease when wholesale costs fall, raising concerns about fairness for motorists.
Motoring organisations have pointed out that the difference in fuel prices between locations can be significant. In some parts of the country, drivers may pay up to 20p per litre more for identical fuel.
The government believes the new system could lead to noticeable savings for households. According to the Chancellor, increased price competition between retailers could save the average household around £40 per year.
Industry groups have responded more cautiously. The Petrol Retailers Association has noted that fuel retailers are currently facing rising operating costs, including higher wages and tax pressures. However, it also points out that current pump prices remain lower than the peaks experienced during 2022 and 2023.
How the Fuel Finder Scheme works
At present, the government has not introduced its own fuel price comparison app.
Instead, the scheme works by providing fuel price data through a central database that approved third-party services can access.
Fuel retailers submit price updates to this database whenever prices change. Comparison apps, navigation platforms and mapping services then use this information to display current fuel prices to drivers.
Popular services that already provide fuel price comparisons include PetrolPrices, Waze, My RAC, and the AA app. Many modern in-car navigation systems also include integrated fuel price data.
Drivers are encouraged to report any inconsistencies if the price displayed on an app does not match the price shown at the pump. Reports can be submitted through the official Fuel Finder website.
Further details about the scheme are available on the official government website:
Fuel Scheme FAQs
What is the Fuel Finder Scheme?
The Fuel Finder Scheme is a government transparency initiative that requires fuel retailers to report price changes within 30 minutes. This information is shared with approved comparison apps and websites so drivers can easily find competitive fuel prices.
Is there an official government fuel price app?
No. The government provides the underlying fuel price database, while third-party apps and navigation platforms use the data to display current pump prices.
Why was the scheme introduced?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found evidence of weak competition and consistently high retailer margins in the UK fuel market. The scheme was introduced to increase pricing transparency and encourage more competitive pricing between fuel retailers.
How can drivers report incorrect fuel prices?
If a driver notices that the price shown on an app does not match the price at the pump, they can report the issue through the official Fuel Finder reporting service.
