Google has made a major change from today that will help drivers in the UK save money on fuel. From Thursday (October 8), near-real-time petrol and diesel prices are included on Google Maps for the first time, allowing motorists to get the best possible deal as petrol costs continue to bite. Google uses information from the Government’s Fuel Finder Database and requires forecourts to provide price information within 30 minutes of any change. All you need to do is open Google Maps and search for a forecourt nearby, and near real-time prices for petrol and diesel will be shown on the app.
It comes as the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East continue to be felt across the global economy. The Iranian regime’s disruption of shipping on the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes earlier this year sent petrol and diesel prices soaring around the world, at a time when many Britons are already struggling due to inflation and other factors.
The Government says comparing prices can save households who own a car around £40 a year, and the new Google functionality, along with other measures including the VAT cut to electricity bills and a £2 cap on bus fares, will help provide some “breathing space” for families as it looks to tackle the affordability crisis.
Polly Billington, the Minister for Energy Consumers, said: “Tackling the affordability crisis is our first responsibility and for so many families and businesses, petrol and diesel are essential goods, not luxuries.
“Accessing the cheapest fuel should be simple, which is why it is a game-changer for near-real-time fuel prices to be shown on Google Maps for the first time in the UK, helping drivers to find the best deal and save money at the pump.”
Chancellor John Healey said: “Getting the best price at the pump is now easier. This doesn’t fix everything; bills have gone up because of events in the Middle East.
“But we’re not powerless. And small changes like this, cutting tax on electricity bills and capping bus fares at £2 all help give families a bit of breathing space.”
Sarah-Jayne Williams, director of Global product partnerships for geo at Google, said: “Navigating fuel rising costs shouldn’t add stress to everyday journeys.
“Integrating Fuel Finder data into Google Maps and Waze gives drivers visibility on nearby pump prices, helping drivers make intentional choices to help their budgets go further this winter. Go on and give it a try today!”
The Fuel Finder scheme was created to help drivers get more competitive fuel prices following a recommendation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s consumer protection watchdog.
Since February, petrol stations across the UK that fail to report the price of their fuel within the set time risk a fine – and the CMA can take action where there is evidence that petrol stations aren’t complying with the law, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said.
According to the Government, the overwhelming majority are complying, with some 99% of all fuel sold on UK roads now reflected in the database, and the data already visible on a variety of other apps, including Waze, Petrol Prices, the AA, Confused.com and RAC Fuel Watch.
