Drivers can shop around for cheapest petrol prices

Drivers could save up to £40 a year thanks to a tool that shows the cheapest fuel prices in real-time.

Under the government’s new fuel finder scheme, garages and petrol stations must report their prices, and this information will be available on comparison apps, satnavs and online maps.

That means drivers will easily be able to shop around for the best deals on petrol and diesel in their area, rather than run the risk of being overcharged.

So far, real-time fuel prices are now available on the likes of:

• Confused.com
• DriveScore
• Fuel Finder UK
• Fuel Spy
• MotorMouth
• PetrolPrices.com
• RAC Fuel Watch 

Rising fuel prices a worry for motorists

For many, this will be a helpful and timely development, as the Middle East crisis has led to a surge in oil prices.

The average price of petrol has now reached 152p a litre - a 28-month high - and diesel has surpassed 180p a litre.

This means a tank of petrol is £8 more expensive than it was this time last year, while the cost of filling up a family diesel car has gone up by £19.

Fuel finder ‘puts power in the hands of drivers’

The government believes the fuel finder scheme represents a “major milestone” in tackling the cost of living.

“My priority is protecting family finances and standing up for drivers,” said chancellor Rachel Reeves.

“Fuel finder puts power back into their hands.

“By giving drivers the information they need to see where fuel is cheapest locally, they can avoid being overcharged and continue to fill up as normal.”

What else can I do to cut fuel costs?

Comparing prices with the fuel finder service is just one step you can take to lower the cost of getting behind the wheel.

Apart from shopping around, you can:

Avoid motorway services 

Motorists are hit with premium prices at service stations, so if you’re planning a long drive, fill up before you get on the motorway.

Sign up for fuel loyalty cards

If there’s one or two petrol stations and supermarket forecourts you use regularly, sign up for loyalty schemes if they have them.

For example, Shell Go+, BPme Rewards and Texaco Rewards allow you to collect points that can be exchanged for money on fuel.

And you can also use supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco’s Clubcard for fuel purchases.

Drive efficiently and look after your car

How you drive and the condition of your vehicle makes a big difference to how much fuel you use and how much you spend.

Use cashback 

Paying for fuel with cashback credit or debit card could also help offset higher prices.

But remember you have to repay the full balance each month to avoid paying interest, as this could cost you more than the saving in the long term.

Check out our blog on 10 easy ways to cut the cost of driving for more money-saving tips.