Featured image: A man wearing a brown jacket is standing in front of a fuel pump. AI-generated image; not a photograph of the reported event.
Google Maps and Waze now display petrol and diesel prices across the UK. This feature helps drivers compare nearby filling stations before refuelling.
How the Feature Works
Users can search for ‘petrol’ or ‘fuel’ in Google Maps or Waze. The app shows prices at nearby stations directly on the map.
Tap on any station to see fuel types—such as unleaded, super unleaded, and diesel—along with their prices.
Where the Prices Come From
The data comes from the UK Government’s Fuel Finder service.
Since 2 February 2026, petrol stations covered by Fuel Finder have been required to report price changes within 30 minutes of a shift.
These updates are made available to apps and websites, including Google Maps and Waze.
Accuracy and Real-Time Status
Google describes the feature as giving motorists a ‘near real-time’ look at nearby petrol and diesel prices.
The Government describes the prices as near real-time, noting that prices are updated within 30 minutes of change.
While the data is current, drivers should still check the actual pump price before refuelling.
Availability and Coverage
The feature is now available nationwide.
Fuel Finder has very wide coverage. Most registered sites have updated prices within the previous week.
Could It Save Money?
Yes—potentially.
The Government estimates that using Fuel Finder could save a household with a car about £40 per year.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says drivers could save up to £9 on a full tank by shopping around.
For example, a 5p-per-litre difference on a 50-litre fill saves £2.50. A 10p difference saves £5.
However, saving a few pence per litre may not be worth driving extra miles.
Discounts Don’t Guarantee Cheaper Fuel
Supermarket promotions, like Tesco’s 8p off per litre after £60 spent, don’t mean a station is the cheapest.
If another nearby station starts at a lower price, the discount may not result in a lower final cost.
Drivers should compare the final price per litre, not just the discount size.
Why This Matters
With fuel prices varying by location, this tool gives drivers a quick way to compare options.
It supports informed decisions and may help reduce overall fuel spending.
Limitations and Considerations
- Prices are not always the same as those at the pump.
- Driving extra miles to reach a cheaper station may offset savings.
- Not all stations are included in the Fuel Finder scheme.
For more on how to save on fuel and manage car expenses, visit Skint Dad.
Drivers can use this feature to make smarter choices—but should still verify prices at the pump.
