Drivers could save on car fuel after new petrol station law

A new 'Fuel Finder' scheme requires nearly 8,350 UK petrol forecourts to report price changes within 30 minutes so third-party apps can show current petrol and diesel prices, and operators who do not comply may face compliance notices or fines.

A new government 'Fuel Finder' scheme has gone live requiring nearly 8,350 UK petrol forecourts to report price changes within 30 minutes. The reported prices for petrol and diesel will be shared with third-party websites, apps and in-car services that compare fuel costs. An earlier interim scheme covered about 65% of forecourts. Motoring groups and officials say the wider coverage aims to increase transparency at the pumps. Key facts: - Nearly 8,350 forecourts must send an alert within 30 minutes when they change petrol or diesel prices. - The reported prices will be made available to third-party websites, apps and in-car services for comparison. - Operators who fail to comply may receive a compliance notice or be fined up to 1% of their global annual turnover. - The previous interim scheme covered about 65% of UK forecourts. - The article reports national averages of unleaded at 132.1p per litre and diesel at 141.2p per litre. - The article notes a 5p-per-litre difference would save the average driver about £2.75 each time they fill a tank. Summary: The change is intended to increase price transparency and make it easier to compare fuel prices across the country. Officials and motoring groups say the data could move toward real-time updates so drivers can view nearby prices using apps or in-car systems. Enforcement includes compliance notices and possible fines; the practical effect on pump prices is undetermined at this time.