New government regulations requiring petrol stations to update their fuel prices within 30 minutes have officially come into force today, Monday, February 2, 2026. This significant change aims to enhance transparency and help motorists across the United Kingdom find the most affordable fuel options more easily.
Asda Leads the Way as Cheapest Supermarket for Fuel
According to the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch, Asda has emerged as the UK's most economical supermarket for both petrol and diesel. The figures, sourced from the Competition and Market Authority's newly launched fuel finder service, reveal that Asda is offering petrol at 128.9p per litre and diesel at 137.7p per litre.
Supermarket Fuel Price Rankings
Following Asda, Morrisons secures the second position for petrol prices, charging 129.2p per litre. Tesco comes in third at 129.7p per litre, with Sainsbury's closely behind at 129.8p per litre.
For diesel, Tesco ranks second after Asda, pricing diesel at 138.3p per litre. Morrisons follows at 138.4p per litre, and Sainsbury's is listed at 138.7p per litre.
Impact of New Pricing Rules on Motorists
The government's new scheme mandates that all 8,300 forecourts nationwide must submit daily price updates. This initiative is designed to empower customers by enabling them to quickly locate cheaper fuel in their vicinity. It is estimated that this could result in annual savings of approximately £40 for drivers.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, commented on the development, stating, "We hope this is the start of the journey to cheaper fuel prices around the UK." His remarks underscore the potential long-term benefits of the new regulations for consumers.
Broader Context and Future Implications
The introduction of these pricing rules represents a pivotal step in the government's efforts to foster greater competition and transparency within the fuel retail sector. By ensuring timely updates, the scheme aims to address concerns about price disparities and promote fairer pricing practices.
Motorists are encouraged to utilise the new fuel finder service to make informed decisions and maximise their savings. As the rules take full effect, ongoing monitoring will be crucial to assess their effectiveness in driving down costs and enhancing consumer confidence.
