Google Maps introduced a fuel price feature on Thursday that displays petrol and diesel costs at UK forecourts alongside their locations. The feature sources pricing data from the government’s Fuel Finder scheme, which legally requires forecourts to update their prices within 30 minutes of any changes.
The development comes as fuel costs have reached significant levels, with diesel recently exceeding £2 per litre for the first time. According to motoring organizations, a 55-litre tank of diesel currently costs approximately £110, while petrol in equivalent quantities runs around £96. Global geopolitical tensions have contributed to elevated fuel prices worldwide.
Google Maps is positioned as a major platform for this information, with data showing that 77% of Britain’s adult population uses the app for navigation purposes. While dedicated fuel-price apps already exist, and the navigation app Waze already includes this feature, integrating pricing into Google Maps significantly expands accessibility.
However, some industry observers have raised concerns about data reliability. Representatives from price comparison sites have noted that the Fuel Finder scheme does not provide complete coverage, with some forecourts failing to register or consistently update their prices as required. Google stated it will independently verify pricing data and display prices only when it has high confidence in their accuracy.
Fuel Finder launched in February and was projected by its creator to potentially save households £40 annually. The Petrol Retailers Association indicated its members comply with the scheme’s requirements.
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