Google Maps will display real-time fuel prices across the UK starting Thursday, drawing data from the government's Fuel Finder scheme to help drivers locate cheaper petrol and diesel.
The prices appear when users search for forecourts in the app and are listed below station descriptions. UK forecourts are legally required to update Fuel Finder within 30 minutes of any price change. Google Maps will independently verify the data and display prices only when the company has "high confidence" they remain current, according to Sarah-Jayne Williams, director of product partnerships for Google Maps and Waze.
The move comes as diesel prices topped £2 per litre for the first time. Diesel has since fallen by 2p, but the AA reports that an average 55-litre tank of diesel costs around £110, with petrol at approximately £96. The RAC described the £2 threshold as "a price threshold no one wanted to cross."
Global fuel costs have been shaped by US tensions with Iran and Russia's war with Ukraine.
Google Maps reaches 77% of Britain's adult population for navigation, according to Ofcom, far exceeding Waze's 2 million UK users. Waze, which is owned by Google, already includes fuel price data. Apple Maps does not show fuel prices, though some third-party iPhone apps can integrate with its mapping service.
The Fuel Finder scheme launched in February under former chancellor Rachel Reeves, who claimed it could save households £40 annually. However, data quality remains an issue. Clare Lafferty, director at price comparison site PetrolPrices, said the government feed lacks coverage and accuracy on its own. The firm identified 200 forecourts in September that had not updated diesel prices within the required timeframe. Some forecourts have not registered with Fuel Finder at all.
The Petrol Retailers Association said its members comply with the scheme.