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Google Maps now shows UK drivers live petrol and diesel prices

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 13:37 · Archive

UK drivers can now check near real-time petrol and diesel prices on Google Maps to find cheaper forecourts nearby.

Near real-time pump prices have gone live on Google Maps across the UK, allowing motorists to search nearby forecourts and check prices before setting off.

Government figures estimate car-owning households can save an average of around £40 a year by shopping around at the pump. The roll-out comes as conflict in the Middle East continues to drive up wholesale fuel costs.

The Automobile Association has campaigned since 2007 for drivers to be able to monitor forecourt charges on mobile devices. Edmund King, president of the AA, described the arrival of transparent pricing on the platform as 'a massive step forward'. Mr King said having prices displayed openly should reduce 'rampant price-matching' among retailers and help forecourts offering lower prices stand out to motorists.

The data powers Google Maps through the statutory Fuel Finder scheme, set up following recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority. Since February, forecourts across the country have been legally required to report any price change within 30 minutes or face fines. The regulatory system now covers roughly 99 per cent of all road fuel sold in the UK, with the competition watchdog empowered to take action against non-compliant stations.

Minister for Energy Consumers Polly Billington described the move to display live forecourt charges on the navigation platform as a 'gamechanger', saying that tackling the affordability crisis is a first responsibility for families and businesses for whom petrol and diesel are essential goods.

Google Maps now shows UK drivers live petrol and diesel prices
Image: NW Evening Mail

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In this story: Google Maps · UK · Automobile Association · Edmund King · Competition and Markets Authority · Polly Billington

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