New fuel price transparency scheme launches across the UK
Fuel Finder Scheme brings real-time petrol price comparisons to UK drivers
Drivers looking to cut the cost of filling up may benefit from a new government-backed system designed to make fuel prices easier to compare.
The Fuel Finder Scheme now enables motorists to see petrol and diesel prices across the UK through third-party apps and websites. Fuel stations are required to report price updates to a central database within 30 minutes of any change, allowing digital services to display the latest prices to drivers.
The goal is to improve transparency across the fuel market and encourage greater competition between forecourts.
The scheme means motorists can now access a wider view of pump prices in their local area and across the country. Petrol stations and fuel retailers must now submit updated pricing information to an open database whenever prices change.
Previously, participation in price reporting was voluntary. Under the new rules, all businesses selling petrol or diesel must provide the data.
The initiative was introduced following recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which has carried out multiple reviews into fuel pricing in the UK. Its latest findings suggested that competition between fuel retailers has been limited, with profit margins remaining consistently high.
The regulator has also highlighted pricing behaviour sometimes described as prices that “rise like a rocket and fall like a feather.” In practice, this means pump prices can increase quickly when wholesale oil prices rise, but tend to decrease more slowly when wholesale costs fall.
Motoring organisations say the variation in pump prices across different regions can be substantial. In some cases, motorists may pay as much as 20p per litre more depending on where they fill up.
The government believes that greater price transparency could deliver financial benefits for drivers. According to the Chancellor, increased competition between retailers could save the average household roughly £40 a year.
Industry representatives have offered a more cautious perspective. The Petrol Retailers Association has pointed out that many fuel retailers are dealing with rising wage bills and tax costs, although it also notes that current fuel prices remain lower than the highs experienced during 2022 and 2023.
How the Fuel Finder Scheme works
There is currently no official government mobile app for the Fuel Finder Scheme.
Instead, the government provides the fuel price data through a central database that authorised third-party services can access.
Fuel retailers submit their pricing updates to this database whenever pump prices change. Comparison apps, navigation platforms and mapping tools can then use the data to display fuel prices to drivers in near real time.
Some of the best-known services already offering fuel price comparisons include PetrolPrices, Waze, My RAC, and the AA app. Many built-in vehicle navigation systems also incorporate fuel price information.
If a driver notices that the price displayed in an app differs from the price at the pump, they are encouraged to report the issue through the official Fuel Finder reporting system.
Further information about the scheme can be found on the government website: Fuel Finder - GOV.UK
Fuel Finder FAQs
What is the Fuel Finder Scheme?
The Fuel Finder Scheme is a government initiative aimed at improving fuel price transparency. Fuel retailers must update price changes within 30 minutes so comparison apps and websites can show current prices.
Is there a government fuel price app?
No. The government provides the central database, while third-party apps and navigation systems use the data to display fuel prices.
Why was the scheme introduced?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found evidence of weak competition and consistently high retailer margins in the fuel sector. The scheme aims to increase price transparency and encourage more competitive pricing.
How can drivers report incorrect prices?
If a driver sees a difference between the price shown on an app and the price displayed at the pump, they can report the discrepancy through the official Fuel Finder reporting service.
