Drivers across the UK could soon find it easier to save money on petrol and diesel, thanks to new rules forcing fuel retailers to publish price changes in near real time.
From this week, all filling stations must legally report any pump price changes to the Government’s new Fuel Finder database within 30 minutes.
That information will then feed into fuel price comparison apps, websites and in-car sat nav systems, allowing motorists to quickly see where the cheapest fuel is nearby before they fill up.
For drivers, the benefit is simple: transparency. Until now, many motorists have had little choice but to pull into the most convenient forecourt, often unaware that fuel costing several pence per litre less was available just a short drive away.
With prices now visible at a glance, drivers can choose where to refuel based on cost as well as convenience.
How much could this change save drivers?
It might be pennies per tank, but even small differences can add up. Saving just 3p per litre on a typical 50-litre fill-up puts £1.50 back in your pocket. Do that regularly and the savings quickly stack up over the year, particularly for commuters and families who rely heavily on their cars.
The scheme is also expected to create downward pressure on prices. As more drivers compare fuel costs, retailers charging above local rivals risk losing business. In response, forecourts may be forced to cut prices to stay competitive — a dynamic already seen in countries such as France and Austria, where similar systems operate.
Drivers are also being encouraged to play a role in keeping prices accurate. New Government guidance explains how motorists can report discrepancies if the price shown online doesn’t match what’s displayed on the forecourt, helping ensure the system remains reliable.
Motoring groups believe this could mark a turning point. The AA says drivers have long been in the dark about cheaper options nearby, while the RAC argues the scheme could finally deliver better value at the pumps as competition increases.
Recommended reading:
- Waspi women denied pensions payout again as ministers say £10bn bill 'not fair'
- Martin Lewis reveals simple trick to slash home and car insurance renewal bills
- All the DWP pension age benefits as Martin Lewis warns thousands are missing out
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “We hope this is the start of the journey to cheaper fuel prices around the UK.
“The Government has set up this scheme with the intention of increasing competition among retailers to give drivers better value at the pumps.
“As a growing number of the country’s 8,300 forecourts submit their prices on a daily basis, drivers will be able to easily find the cheapest forecourts near them using their favoured app or sat nav.”
Share