New fuel comparison scheme is helping drivers save money

Motorists are saving money thanks to a government scheme that lets them find the cheapest fuel prices in real-time, the AA has said.

Under the 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 can easily shop around for the best deals on petrol and diesel in their area, rather than run the risk of being overcharged.

And this is yielding results at a time that average petrol prices are at a three-year high.

“UK drivers appear to have been spared the worst of the sharp rise in petrol wholesale costs,” said Luke Bosdet of the AA.

“It is very likely that increased competition created by fuel finder price transparency has played a big role.”

How can I find real-time fuel prices?

Thanks to fuel finder, real-time petrol and diesel prices are now available on platforms like:

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

So instead of taking the chance of paying over the odds, you can find the cheapest petrol and diesel in your area quickly and easily.

What else can I do to save money on the road?

If you want to keep costs down while you’re behind the wheel, there are plenty of other practical steps you can take.

Don’t fill up at motorway services 

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

Change your driving style

How you drive has a big impact on how much fuel you use.

So it’s worth actively trying to reduce fuel consumption, using techniques like:

• accelerating gently
• braking gradually
• driving in the correct gear

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.

Read our blog on 50 easy ways to cut the cost of driving for more money-saving tips.