UK drivers can now compare fuel prices at every petrol station nationwide under the government’s new Fuel Finder Scheme, aimed at increasing transparency and competition at the pump.
From this week, all fuel retailers are required to report petrol and diesel price changes to approved third-party apps and websites within 30 minutes. The policy follows concerns that motorists can pay up to 20p per litre more depending on where they refuel, with regulators previously finding competition between forecourts to be weak.
While the government estimates average household savings of around £40 a year, the impact is expected to be far greater for commercial fleets.
Matthew Walters, Head of Consultancy and Customer Value at Ayvens UK, said even small price differences can have a significant effect when applied at scale.
“For fleets refuelling across thousands of miles and vehicles, minor pence-per-litre variations quickly add up to meaningful cost savings,” he said. “When fuel price transparency is combined with telematics, route optimisation and wider fleet management tools, it enables smarter planning, tighter cost control and more consistent driver behaviour.”
The scheme operates via an open government database rather than a standalone app, allowing existing platforms such as sat-nav systems and fuel price comparison apps to surface the data. Fuel retailers were previously able to share prices voluntarily; reporting is now mandatory.
Walters added that while fuel pricing transparency has taken a major step forward, similar standardisation is still needed in public EV charging as fleet electrification accelerates.