UK petrol and diesel prices: compare pumps before filling up

A nearby station can be cheaper, but the saving depends on your fuel grade, how much you buy and whether reaching the pump adds miles to your journey. The UK’s Fuel Finder scheme requires filling stations to report price changes within 30 minutes. Use a live comparison service to shortlist stations, then check the price displayed at the pump before filling.

By GlobeBids

Compare the same fuel grade at nearby stations

Start with your location and the fuel your vehicle needs. Compare regular petrol with regular petrol, or diesel with diesel; a premium grade is a different product and may cost more. Check the listing’s location as well as its price so you can tell whether the station is already on your route.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Fuel Finder factsheet, dated 31 March 2026, lists consumer-facing services that use the scheme’s data. Reporting within 30 minutes makes listings useful for comparison, but a price can change between your search and arrival. Treat the listing as a guide and confirm the pump price before you fill.

Calculate the saving for your fill

Subtract the cheaper station’s price per litre from the other station’s price, then multiply by the litres you expect to buy. For example, a 3p-per-litre difference saves £1.35 on a 45-litre fill. These figures illustrate the calculation; they are not current local prices.

Next, account for any extra driving. If a detour adds four miles in total and your car achieves 40 miles per imperial gallon, the trip uses about 0.45 litres of fuel. At an illustrative £1.50 per litre, that costs about 68p, leaving roughly 67p of the £1.35 saving. Traffic, your car’s actual consumption, your time and vehicle wear can reduce the benefit further. A convenient station on your normal route may be the better choice even if its listed price is slightly higher.

If the listed price differs from the pump

Check that the listing and pump show the same station and fuel grade. If the displayed price differs, note the station, fuel type, listed price and pump price. The government’s Fuel Finder guidance says drivers can report a mismatch. Before paying, use the price shown at the pump to decide whether to fill there or choose another station.

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero