Google Maps adds live petrol prices to help drivers save £40

Edmund King, president of the AA, described the arrival of transparent pricing on the platform as "a massive step forward". <i>(Image: Irene Miller/Getty)</i>
Edmund King, president of the AA, described the arrival of transparent pricing on the platform as "a massive step forward". (Image: Irene Miller/Getty)
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Drivers can now check live petrol and diesel prices before filling up.

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

Edmund King, president of the AA, described the arrival of transparent pricing on the platform as "a massive step forward".

The motoring organisation has campaigned since 2007 for drivers to be able to monitor forecourt charges on mobile devices.

Mr King said having prices displayed openly should reduce "rampant price-matching" among retailers.

He added that clear visibility will help forecourts that decide to "break rank" with lower pump prices stand out to motorists.

Mr King also noted that the feature complements dedicated tools like the AA App, where interest in forecourt price variation is surging.

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".

She said: "Tackling the affordability crisis is our first responsibility and for so many families and businesses, petrol and diesel are essential goods, not luxuries.


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"Accessing the cheapest fuel should be simple, which is why it is a gamechanger 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."

Ministers say the tool marks the latest step in government efforts to help households cope with broader cost of living pressures.

John Healey MP, in an announcement issued alongside HM Treasury, 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."

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