Motorists can save up to 10p per litre on petrol and diesel by using the Government's Fuel Finder scheme, which provides real-time price information online. Prices vary significantly between fuel stations, and checking before filling up can lead to substantial savings.
How the Fuel Finder Scheme Works
Under the new rules, fuel stations must update their prices at least every 30 minutes, so the fees shown online are likely to match what drivers actually pay. Motorists can search their local area by entering their postcode on services such as PetrolPrices, the AA, and the RAC.
In some cases, visiting a rival store or a different supermarket just down the road can cut 10p per litre off fuel costs.
Price Variations Across UK Cities
On October 21, drivers in Watford paid 164.9p per litre for unleaded petrol at Costco, compared to 167.9p at Asda and up to 174.9p at Esso and BP. In Birmingham, motorists could fill up for 162.9p per litre, while Sainsbury's charged 168.9p and Gulf up to 173.9p.
In Manchester, Costco customers paid 163.9p per litre, with prices rising to 169.9p at Asda and 173.9p at Shell.
Potential Savings and Industry Support
Earlier this year, the Labour Government said the Fuel Finder scheme would put power back in the hands of drivers. It suggested the tool could save households an average of £40 per year, a boost as fuel prices continue to rise.
Unleaded petrol currently averages around 175p per litre in the UK, with diesel just below £2 per litre. The Government reported that 97% of fuel stations are now signed up to the programme.
Steve Dukes, CEO at Confused.com, said: "Fuel Finder is a positive step towards making motoring costs more affordable for drivers. More accurate and accessible data is important in so many aspects of cost and pricing in all industries, and we're pleased to see how this is being applied to things like fuel where visibility of pricing has historically been limited."
