The RAC has issued a vital money-saving advisory that could assist motorists in reducing their expenditure on fuel. According to the motoring organisation, drivers who consistently patronise their local petrol station might be overlooking more economical alternatives, but they need not travel extensively to verify competing rates.
Utilising Technology for Fuel Savings
Instead of relying on habitual stops, drivers can leverage the myRAC application to identify 'the best price' available on fuel. In a recent Facebook video, the RAC elaborated on how motorists could gain from consulting the app prior to refuelling. A representative from the team posed a question to viewers: "Are you still depending on your local petrol station for your fuel? Well, you might be missing out on cheaper prices elsewhere."
Government's Fuel Finder Initiative
He further clarified: "The government's new Fuel Finder scheme exhibits prices from every single forecourt across the nation, including independent operators, ensuring you receive up-to-date pricing within 30 minutes of any alteration. This Easter period could become the most expensive on the roads since the initial stages of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022."
The average cost of unleaded petrol has escalated by 19.2p per litre since late February, with diesel reaching a three-year peak, intensifying the financial strain on households due to the Middle Eastern conflict. As petrol prices are anticipated to surpass 152p per litre in the coming week and diesel approaches 181p, the enhanced transparency from forecourts is expected to foster competition and aid average families in economising on fuel by selecting more affordable options.
Practical Steps for Motorists
According to the RAC, this approach ensures drivers are 'obtaining the best price possible.' Concluding the instructional video, the team member advised: "So, what's the simplest method to verify? Open the myRAC app and utilise the integrated RAC fuel finder to view pump prices and locate the cheapest petrol or diesel in your vicinity. Thus, the next occasion you require a refill, eliminate the speculation."
In the accompanying caption, the RAC noted that the quoted prices were accurate as of March 30, stating: "With fuel prices increasing, you might be overlooking cheaper alternatives nearby. The myRAC app can assist you in finding the optimal price before you refuel, employing data from the Government's new Fuel Finder scheme."
Accessing Official Information
Details regarding the Fuel Finder service are accessible on the GOV.UK website, which explains: "Fuel Finder is a UK government service that consolidates live retail fuel prices and forecourt information throughout the UK. The service aids motor fuel traders in fulfilling their reporting obligations, enables authorised organisations to discover and disseminate trusted open data, and permits individuals to report issues encountered at the forecourt."
