Millions of motorists could save when filling-up after a government scheme went live.
The near 8,350 fuel forecourts across the country must from now on send an alert within 30 minutes of changing the prices they charge for petrol and diesel. The information will then be made available to third-party websites and apps which allow drivers to compare fuel prices wherever they are in the country.
Over time it is hoped that the information will be updated in real-time, giving drivers an even better chance to save money, which could accumulate into the hundreds over the years. Until now, an interim scheme overseen by the Competition and Markets has covered just 65% of UK forecourts.
The launch of the government’s ‘Fuel Finder’ initiative will cover all petrol stations, and impose strict rules on what information must be provided and when. Those operators that fail to comply may be hit with a “compliance notice” or be fined up to 1% of their global annual turnover.
The scheme has been launched amid concerns that motorists have been paying over-the-odds when they fill up. Even a 5p a litre difference between forecourts would save the average driver £2.75 each time they fill up their tank.
Edmund King, president motoring group the AA, said: “For too long, UK drivers have been hostage to the whims of fuel retailers and not being able to see that a far lower pump price could be found just down the road. Fuel station owners who priced below the artificially high levels of nearby rivals but had little way of getting that message out to potential customers now have the means to do so.
“Like in Austria, France and other parts of Europe, the AA believes a shake-up of UK pump prices will happen. Drivers will view them on mobile phones and smart devices, using search engines like the AA App, and will eventually choose where to buy cheaper fuel at the most convenient place by looking at the information screens in their cars.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “We hope this is the start of the journey to cheaper fuel prices around the UK.
“The Government has set up this scheme with the intention of increasing competition among retailers to give drivers better value at the pumps. As a growing number of the country’s 8,300 forecourts submit their prices on a daily basis, drivers will be able to easily find the cheapest forecourts near them using their favoured app or sat-nav.”
The nationwide average for unleaded stands at 132.1p per litre, with diesel at 141.2p.