Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that the government has issued hundreds of warning letters to petrol stations failing to comply with new rules requiring them to report fuel prices within 30 minutes of any change. The Fuel Finder scheme, launched in February 2025, aims to increase transparency and help drivers find the cheapest fuel, potentially saving households an average of £40 per year.
Fuel Finder Scheme Background
The scheme, which began strict compliance in May 2025, mandates that all petrol stations in the UK report up-to-date petrol and diesel prices promptly. The government stated that drivers "should not have to guess whether they are being overcharged" at fuel stations. The initiative is designed to make it easier for motorists to compare prices and drive down costs.
Non-Compliance and Warning Letters
Despite the rules, some businesses have failed to report price changes. Reeves emphasized that this is unacceptable. She said: "Our Fuel Finder is increasing transparency and driving down prices for drivers, but it is clear some businesses are failing to do this. That is not right. I have given the Competition and Markets Authority powers to investigate, and they have issued hundreds of warning letters to businesses not complying. If these businesses continue to fail their customers by not reporting price changes, the CMA have assured me they will step in and issue fines."
CMA Analysis and Action
According to a Press Association analysis, as many as 570 of the UK's 8,338 petrol stations have not submitted any pricing data, while around 1,750 have not reported changes in over a week. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has assured the public that it will take action against non-compliant stations. The CMA stated: "The majority of petrol stations are now registered with the scheme and reporting their prices, helping motorists pocket savings every time they fill up by shopping around. We will take action when petrol stations fail to comply with the law. While retailers are required to report price changes promptly, some sites may change their prices less often due to their pricing strategy."
Impact on Drivers
The government hopes the scheme will save car-owning households an average of £40 per year by enabling them to find the cheapest fuel. The Fuel Finder tool allows drivers to compare prices at nearby stations, potentially driving business away from the most expensive pumps. The CMA has been granted powers to investigate and fine non-compliant businesses. Express.co.uk has contacted the CMA for further comment.
