Money Saving Expert, the website founded by Martin Lewis, has issued crucial advice for drivers seeking to cut costs at the pump. In a recent update, the consumer champion recommended using PetrolPrices.com or its mobile application to locate the cheapest fuel prices in any given area. This simple strategy could save motorists as much as £15 every time they refuel their vehicles.
How the PetrolPrices Tool Works
The service covers approximately 8,300 forecourts across the United Kingdom, allowing users to search within a 20-mile radius for the best deals on standard or premium petrol and diesel. MSE highlighted the tool as the most effective current method for price comparison, stating it is a nifty and free resource for savvy consumers.
Government Fuel Finder Delayed
This advice comes at a critical time, as the government prepares to launch its own 'fuel finder' system. However, this official platform will not be fully operational until later in 2026, leaving existing tools like PetrolPrices as the optimal choice for drivers looking to economise immediately.
Sharp Rise in Fuel Prices
New figures reveal that diesel prices have surged by nearly a quarter since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East. According to the RAC, the average price per litre of diesel at UK forecourts reached 175.7p on a recent Wednesday, marking a 23% increase from 142.4p on February 28, the day the war began.
Over the same period, average petrol prices have also climbed significantly, rising by 13% from 132.8p to 149.4p per litre. These increases are largely driven by soaring oil prices, which have hit as high as 120 dollars a barrel due to Iran's stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Financial Impact on UK Drivers
The RAC Foundation, a motoring research charity, reported on Wednesday that these price hikes have resulted in UK drivers paying an additional £337 million for petrol and diesel since the conflict started, compared to if pump prices had remained at their pre-war levels. This calculation is based on average daily pump price changes and fuel consumption rates, with the charity describing the £337 million figure as a direct cost of the ongoing war.
With fuel expenses mounting, the guidance from Money Saving Expert is more timely than ever. By leveraging digital tools like PetrolPrices, drivers can mitigate some of the financial strain caused by global events and make informed decisions to keep their motoring costs under control.
