Drivers across the UK are about to get a clearer view of pump prices as the government rolls out a new digital tool that will map petrol and diesel costs at local filling stations. The move, confirmed in the Autumn Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aims to boost transparency and pressure retailers to show fairer prices at the forecourt.
What the Fuel Finder tool will do and when it goes live
The service, dubbed Fuel Finder, will publish real‑time retail fuel prices online. Motorists will be able to check nearby forecourts for current petrol and diesel rates before they fill up.
- Price reporting begins: Monday, 2 February 2026.
- New forecourts that open after that date must be registered within seven days.
- The government expects the platform to increase competition at the pumps.
Obligations for fuel retailers and forecourt operators
All operators who sell fuel to the public will face clear reporting duties. The rules apply across company sizes and types of sites.
- Every forecourt must be individually registered with the scheme.
- When prices change, the published price must be updated within 30 minutes.
- Changes to on‑site amenities or services must be reflected within three days.
- Businesses running multiple sites must register each location separately.
Who must sign up
Obligations cover:
- Retail petrol stations of any size.
- Franchises and chains.
- Unmanned or automated sites selling fuel.
- Businesses that include fuel sales as part of other operations.
Exemptions and specific cases
Not every seller of fuel will be subject to the reporting rules. The government listed a number of exceptions to focus the scheme on consumer sales.
- B2B fuel sales are exempt from public price reporting.
- Sales in jerry cans and deliveries of red diesel for agricultural use are excluded.
- HGV depot sales made under pre‑arranged logistics arrangements do not need to be reported.
How much drivers could save
Government modelling suggests increased transparency could shave a small but meaningful amount off pump prices.
- Estimated savings range from 1p to 6p per litre when competition increases.
- Those figures assume retailers pass on lower wholesale costs to consumers more consistently.
As an example of current conditions, average prices are hovering around 134.67p per litre for unleaded and 143.59p for diesel. Prices have shifted widely over the past year.
Operational details retailers must follow
The new rules spell out clear deadlines and reporting routines. Regulators will expect accurate, timely updates.
- Register all existing forecourts before the price reporting start date.
- For price changes, enter the new figure on the Fuel Finder platform within half an hour.
- Record any change to forecourt facilities on the platform within three days.
- New sites must be registered within seven days of opening.
Why the change is being pushed and industry reaction
Supporters say the scheme tackles a long‑running complaint: retailers have not always passed falling wholesale costs on to drivers. Increased visibility is designed to create pressure for fairer pricing.
Industry commentators welcomed the potential for more competitive fuel costs while warning that the benefits depend on strict enforcement and accurate reporting.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said the scheme could help restore balance between wholesale markets and what drivers pay. He urged consistent updates and enforcement so motorists actually see lower pump prices.
Practical tips for drivers ahead of launch
Motorists can prepare now to use the new tool effectively.
- Check local prices on Fuel Finder before setting off to refuel.
- Compare nearby forecourts to find the best value for both petrol and diesel.
- Report significant discrepancies or missing listings to regulators if you suspect non‑compliance.
Enforcement timeline and next steps for stations
Regulators will monitor compliance after the portal goes live. Forecourt operators should finalise their registration and reporting systems in the coming weeks.
- All forecourts must be registered prior to 2 February 2026.
- Operators that fail to update prices or register sites face potential penalties and public scrutiny.
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