Google Maps will display real-time petrol and diesel prices at UK forecourts for the first time, helping motorists find the cheapest deal amid soaring costs, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Thursday.
The Prime Minister said global events were pushing up costs at the pumps. Under the new scheme, current prices of diesel and petrol will be shown on the Google app so drivers can compare nearby stations and source the cheapest option before filling up.
Costs will be displayed in real-time in what is a UK first, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said.
Government's affordability measures
"At a time when the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been pushing up fuel prices for drivers, comparing prices can save households who own a car around £40 a year," said a statement. "This marks the latest step in the government’s work to tackle the affordability crisis, after the VAT cut to electricity bills and a £2 cap on bus fares, giving families some breathing space with the cost of living."
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Burnham said: "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.
"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."
Industry response and reporting rules
Minister for Energy Consumers Polly Billington said: "Tackling the affordability crisis is our first responsibility and for so many families and businesses, petrol and diesel are essential goods, not luxuries.
"Accessing the cheapest fuel should be simple, which is why it is a gamechanger for near real-time fuel prices to be shown on Google Maps for the first time in the UK, helping drivers to find the best deal and save money at the pump."
The Chancellor, John Healey, added: "Getting the best price at the pump is now easier. This doesn't fix everything; bills have gone up because of events in the Middle East."
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 Competition and Markets Authority can take action where there is evidence that petrol stations are not complying with the law.
Fuel prices hit new highs
The overwhelming majority of petrol stations are inputting data to Fuel Finder promptly, with around 99 per cent of all fuel sold on UK roads now reflected. The move comes after the price of diesel hit a new high last Monday at 199.18p per litre, according to the RAC, passing the previous record set in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
As of Wednesday, the average price for a litre of diesel had climbed to 200.11p, while the cost for petrol was 174.89p, the RAC said.
