How Google Maps could help you find cheaper petrol, plus other ways to bring costs down at the pump

If you’re a driver, there’s some good news at last: you could now save money at the pump by using Google Maps to find cheaper petrol and diesel.

From today, 8 October, near real-time fuel prices are being displayed on Google Maps for the first time. That means you can check prices before you set off and choose the cheapest petrol station nearby.

How can you use Google Maps to find cheaper fuel?

Just open Google Maps and search for a petrol station near you. You’ll be able to see near real-time prices for petrol and diesel, allowing you to compare your options and head to the station offering the best price.

According to the government, comparing fuel prices could save a typical household with a car around £40 a year.

The move comes as drivers continue to feel the pressure of higher fuel prices.

Energy consumers minister Polly Billington said: “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.”

The introduction of fuel prices on Google Maps follows action earlier this year. In February, petrol stations across the UK became legally required to report their fuel prices within 30 minutes of a price change or risk a fine.

The government says most petrol stations are now submitting their prices promptly to Fuel Finder, with around 99% of all fuel sold on UK roads now reflected in the data.

Other ways you can save money on fuel

Using Google Maps isn’t the only way you can cut your fuel costs, and you might not use the app.

With a little planning, you can reduce how much you spend every time you fill up.

Avoid motorway services

You’ll often pay more for fuel at motorway service stations.

If you’re planning a long journey, try to fill up before you join the motorway. A quick bit of planning could save you money without adding much time to your journey.

Make the most of fuel loyalty schemes

If you regularly use the same petrol station or supermarket, check whether you could benefit from its loyalty scheme.

Shell Go+, BPme Rewards and Texaco Rewards allow you to collect points that can be used towards fuel or other purchases.

You can also use supermarket loyalty schemes, such as Tesco Clubcard, when buying fuel.

Drive efficiently and look after your car

How you drive, and how well you look after your car, can make a difference to how much fuel you use.

You can cut your fuel consumption by accelerating gently, avoiding unnecessary braking and making sure you’re driving in the correct gear.

Keeping your tyres correctly inflated and making sure your car is properly maintained can also help you use less fuel.

Use cashback

If you have a cashback credit or debit card, you could earn a little money back when you pay for fuel.

But make sure you pay off your credit card balance in full every month. Otherwise, the interest you pay could quickly wipe out any cashback you’ve earned, and leave you worse off.

Look for other ways to cut your fuel costs

You don’t have to rely on cheaper petrol prices alone to save money.

By changing how you drive and making a few simple adjustments, you could use less fuel every time you get behind the wheel.

Want more ideas? Check out our 50 practical, easy-to-follow ways to reduce your fuel costs today.