Google Maps is displaying petrol and diesel prices at filling stations to help motorists find cheaper fuel as soaring energy costs put pressure on consumers in the United Kingdom.
The development comes only days after diesel prices reached a record high of 201.01p per litre, pushing the average cost of filling a 55-litre tank to about £110.
Fuel Finder data is also available for drivers through popular apps such as Waze, Petrol Prices, the AA, Confused.com and RAC Fuel Watch.
Polly Billington, the Minister for Energy Consumers, said making petrol and diesel more affordable for families and businesses was important.
“Tackling the affordability crisis is our first responsibility and for so many families and businesses, petrol and diesel are essential goods, not luxuries,” she said.
“Accessing the cheapest fuel should be simple, which is why it is a game-changer for near real-time fuel prices to be shown on Google Maps for the first time in the UK, helping drivers find the best deal and save money at the pump.”
Petrol stations across the UK are required to report fuel price changes within 30 minutes or risk being fined.
Sarah-Jayne Williams, director of global product partnerships for Geo at Google, encouraged drivers to try the new features.
She said: “Navigating fuel rising costs shouldn’t add stress to everyday journeys.
“Integrating Fuel Finder data into Google Maps and Waze gives drivers visibility on nearby pump prices, helping drivers make intentional choices to help their budgets go further this winter.”
The Automobile Association (AA) President Edmund King described the integration of Fuel Finder data as a “massive step forward” in promoting greater transparency in fuel pricing.
He said: “More transparent prices should reduce the extent of rampant price-matching between fuel stations that is currently seen in many areas.
“Those competitive forecourts that break rank and offer lower fuel prices can be found if drivers look hard enough and will now stand out more.”