Government Fuel Finder Scheme makes it easier to compare pump prices
Fuel Finder Scheme helps UK drivers compare petrol and diesel prices.
A new government initiative is giving drivers better access to petrol and diesel pricing information, helping motorists find the best value when filling up.
The Fuel Finder Scheme allows drivers across the UK to view and compare fuel prices more easily. Under the scheme, fuel retailers are required to update a central database with price changes within 30 minutes, enabling third-party apps and websites to display near real-time pricing information.
Regulators believe that improved visibility of pump prices should encourage stronger competition between fuel retailers and reduce the risk of motorists paying more than necessary.
The scheme forms part of a wider effort to improve transparency in the UK fuel market. Petrol stations and fuel retailers must now submit price updates to a shared open database whenever prices change.
Previously, sharing this information was optional for retailers. The new policy makes participation mandatory for all businesses selling petrol and diesel.
The change follows recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which has conducted several investigations into forecourt pricing across the UK. Its most recent report concluded that competition between fuel retailers remained relatively weak, with profit margins described as persistently elevated.
The CMA has also highlighted a pricing trend sometimes described as prices that “rise like a rocket and fall like a feather.” This refers to the tendency for pump prices to increase rapidly when wholesale oil prices rise, but fall more slowly when wholesale costs decline.
Motoring organisations say the differences in fuel prices between locations can be significant. In some areas, drivers may pay up to 20p per litre more for the same fuel.
According to the government, increased price transparency could help households reduce fuel costs. The Chancellor has suggested that greater competition could save the average household around £40 per year.
Industry representatives have responded cautiously. The Petrol Retailers Association has pointed out that many retailers are currently dealing with higher staffing and tax costs, although it also notes that current pump prices remain lower than the peaks seen during 2022 and 2023.
How the Fuel Finder Scheme works
At present, there is no official government fuel price comparison app.
Instead, the government provides fuel price data through a central database that can be accessed by approved third-party platforms.
Fuel retailers submit their price updates to this database whenever prices change. Navigation apps, mapping services and fuel comparison tools can then use the data to show drivers current fuel prices in their area.
Popular services that already offer fuel price comparison features include PetrolPrices, Waze, My RAC, and the AA app. Many in-car navigation systems also include integrated fuel price information.
Drivers who notice a difference between the price displayed in an app and the price shown at the pump are encouraged to report the issue. This can be done through the official Fuel Finder website.
Further details about the scheme can be found on the government website:
Fuel Finder - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fuel Finder Scheme?
The Fuel Finder Scheme is a government initiative designed to increase transparency in the fuel market. Fuel retailers must report price changes within 30 minutes so the information can be shared with comparison apps and websites.
Is there a government fuel price app?
No. The government provides the fuel price database, while third-party apps and navigation platforms use the data to display current pump prices to drivers.
Why was the scheme introduced?
Investigations by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that competition between UK fuel retailers was limited and that profit margins had remained relatively high. The scheme aims to improve price visibility and encourage fairer competition.
How can drivers report incorrect prices?
If the price shown on a comparison app does not match the price displayed at the pump, drivers can report the discrepancy using the official Fuel Finder reporting service.
