The team of financial professionals at Martin Lewis-founded Money Saving Expert (MSE) has shared a way drivers can get cheaper petrol prices. In a recent blog post issued on the MSE website, the team mentioned a website motorists should consider visiting, or using via its app, if they want to cut down on their petrol spending.
In a section titled: "Find the cheapest petrol or diesel prices in your area", MSE says there is a 'handy' free tool worth checking before paying for petrol. MSE says: "The easiest way to find the cheapest forecourt in your area for petrol or diesel, whether standard or premium, is by comparing prices using a nifty free tool."
It comes as the government is launching a 'fuel finder' to help drivers find the best prices. It is set to require retailers to report their prices, allowing drivers to compare them in real time and increasing competition.
MSE explains: "While the idea’s been agreed and some data is shared voluntarily, the full compulsory system isn’t live yet and won’t be until later in 2026. Until then, tools like the one below remain the easiest way to cut costs. For more on the proposed scheme, see the Gov.uk website."
Sharing the website drivers should use when it comes to filling up their car, MSE says: "Find the cheapest fuel near you. Go to PetrolPrices.com." It adds: "There's also a PetrolPrices app to make it easier to use on your phone."
PetrolPrices allows people to see the cheapest filling stations in their area by registering, entering a postcode, town or city, and how far they're willing to travel (up to 20 miles). It covers about 8,300 forecourts across the UK, according to MSE.
Using websites and apps that compare fuel prices can help lower petrol expenses by giving drivers real-time information based on their location. This way, they can find the cheapest petrol stations nearby, which could save on costs.
After the UK Government start the Fuel Finder programme, petrol stations are required to update their prices in a central database within 30 minutes. This means apps like PetrolPrices, Waze, and the AA can provide accurate, up-to-date information.
MSE added: "Using it can save as much as £10-£15 on filling up a typical family car. For example, within five miles of a postcode in Durham the price of unleaded on 26 January ranged from 126.9p to 155.9p per litre. While the difference per litre may be pennies, in percentage terms you could pay 20% more by going to the 'wrong' forecourt."
On the same MSE news page, the team of experts also recommend checking if there is a Costco nearby. "Petrol savings can make membership worth it," it explains.
"Many unknowingly qualify for Costco membership (£42/yr) and petrol savings alone may pay for it. As an example for a postcode in Essex, we found unleaded prices ranging from the cheapest - Costco, at 125.9p/L - to a pricey 155.9p/L within five miles. That's a £17 difference when filling up a typical family car. For a full rundown, see our Costco Tips guide."
