Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a "small change" to help drivers with rising fuel costs. From today (Thursday, October 8), real-time petrol and diesel prices will be displayed on Google Maps for the first time in the UK, allowing motorists to compare nearby stations before filling up.
Fuel prices on Google Maps
GOV.UK confirmed the integration, stating: "Checking local fuel prices is now as simple as opening Google Maps and searching for a forecourt nearby, with near real time prices for petrol and diesel displayed on the app – supporting millions of drivers to access the cheapest fuel in their local area."
At a time when the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been pushing up fuel prices, comparing prices can save households who own a car around £40 a year.
Prime Minister's message
Mr Burnham shared a post on X to mark the change, saying: "I know people are worried about fuel prices. And I get it. You get to the pump, watch the numbers climb, and wonder why it's costing so much more than it used to."
He added: "The reality is that global events are pushing up costs, and families here at home are feeling the impact. But I won't accept that there's nothing I can do to help."
"That's why from today, you'll be able to see petrol and diesel prices on Google Maps, compare nearby stations and find the cheapest option before you fill up. It's a small change, but if there's a practical way to help people keep more money in their pocket, I'll do it."
Fuel Finder scheme
The Fuel Finder scheme was created to help drivers get more competitive fuel prices following a recommendation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Since February, it has been compulsory for petrol stations across the UK to report the price of their fuel within 30 minutes of it changing or risk a fine – and the CMA can take action where there is evidence that petrol stations are not complying with the law.
The overwhelming majority of petrol stations are inputting data to Fuel Finder promptly, with around 99% of all fuel sold on UK roads now reflected. The data is already used by thousands of drivers across apps such as Waze, Petrol Prices, the AA, Confused.com and RAC Fuel Watch, and its integration with Google Maps will help millions more motorists find the best price at the pump.
Sarah-Jayne Williams, director of global product partnerships for Geo at Google, said: "Navigating fuel rising costs shouldn’t add stress to everyday journeys. Integrating Fuel Finder data into Google Maps and Waze gives drivers visibility on nearby pump prices, helping drivers make intentional choices to help their budgets go further this winter. Go on and give it a try today!"
