Fuel Finder Scheme Launches to Help UK Motorists Find Cheaper Petrol
A significant new initiative designed to assist British motorists in locating more affordable fuel has officially commenced operations across the United Kingdom. The government-backed Fuel Finder scheme represents a major shift in how petrol and diesel prices are communicated to the public.
How the New System Operates
From Monday, February 2, 2026, all filling stations throughout the UK are legally mandated to report any changes to their pump prices within a thirty-minute window. This regulatory requirement ensures that fuel retailers must submit updated pricing information directly to a central government database.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has clarified that the initial focus until May will be on supporting businesses to comply with this new regime rather than implementing enforcement actions. This approach aims to facilitate a smooth transition for the nation's approximately 8,300 forecourts.
Accessing the Pricing Information
Rather than creating a dedicated government application, the scheme operates through open-source data that existing third-party applications can freely access. Popular motoring apps and platforms including PetrolPrices, AA My RAC, and Waze can now integrate this real-time pricing data to map and compare fuel costs across different locations.
This system enables drivers to identify the most economical filling stations in their vicinity using their preferred mobile applications or satellite navigation systems. The transparency provided by this scheme is expected to significantly enhance consumer decision-making regarding fuel purchases.
Current Fuel Pricing Context
According to recent data from the RAC motoring group, current average prices stand at 131.91 pence per litre for petrol, representing the lowest cost observed since July 2021. Diesel is currently averaging 140.97 pence per litre across the country.
Origins and Industry Perspectives
The implementation of this scheme follows recommendations made by the Competition and Markets Authority in July 2023, following their comprehensive study of the fuel retail sector. The regulator identified transparency as a crucial factor in improving market competition.
AA president Edmund King welcomed the development, stating: "For too long, UK drivers have been hostage to the whims of fuel retailers and not being able to see that a far-lower pump price could be found just down the road." He further noted that fuel station owners who previously priced below nearby competitors now have an effective means to communicate their competitive pricing to potential customers.
King added: "Like in Austria, France and other parts of Europe, the AA believes a shake-up of UK pump prices will happen. Drivers will view them on mobile phones and smart devices and will eventually choose where to buy cheaper fuel at the most convenient place by looking at the information screens in their cars."
Expected Benefits and Future Outlook
RAC head of policy Simon Williams expressed optimism about the scheme's potential impact: "We hope this is the start of the journey to cheaper fuel prices around the UK. The Government has set up this scheme with the intention of increasing competition among retailers to give drivers better value at the pumps."
As more forecourts begin submitting their pricing information on a daily basis, the system is expected to create greater price transparency throughout the fuel retail market. This increased visibility is anticipated to foster enhanced competition among retailers, potentially leading to more favourable pricing for consumers across various regions.
The scheme represents a significant step toward modernising how fuel pricing information is disseminated in the United Kingdom, bringing the country in line with practices already established in several European nations.
