Fuel Finder is a government scheme to give drivers live updates on the cost of petrol and diesel at the forecourt. It was previously known as PumpWatch, but was renamed in the October 2024 Budget.
The scheme in both its old and new forms has been around for some years, but the government has been slow to implement it. The most recent delay came with the 2024 General Election which resulted in the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill being set aside. The new Data (Use and Access) Bill has been introduced and Fuel Finder now takes the place of PumpWatch.
What is Fuel Finder?
Fuel Finder replaced the proposed PumpWatch scheme in October 2024, but it has the same goal of delivering accurate, regularly updated information on fuel prices. This will be quoted as the price per litre (as it is on garage forecourts) and will be updated within 30 minutes of any price change. Fuel retailers will be legally obliged to provide this information.
The Fuel Finder scheme will supply this information through open data so it’s free for everyone to see and use. This means it can be used with smartphone apps and online for drivers to check where the cheapest fuel is near to them. It is also hoped this will keep fuel costs down because the price of fuel at different retailers can be compared quickly and easily.
Why do we need Fuel Finder?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been studying fuel prices and noted that supermarket fuel margins have approximately doubled between 2019 and 2023. The total additional cost to drivers in that time is calculated at £1.6 billion in 2023 alone. The CMA concluded fuel retailers are failing consumers.
How does Fuel Finder work?
The government will force all fuel retailers to provide the retail prices and types of petrol and diesel, and the availability of these fuels. This information will have to be provided within 30 minutes of any change in price.
Using this information, Fuel Finder will offer this data to any third party that wants to use it, such as sat-nav providers, online maps, and apps. This gives drivers easy access to fuel price information so they can compare the best deals in their area.
The cost of Fuel Finder will be paid for by the government, and the Competition and Markets Authority will be able to enforce fines on those fuel retailers who do not comply.
When will Fuel Finder be available?
It was hoped the previous PumpWatch scheme would be in operation by the end of 2024. However, the General Election and change of government stopped that and the new Fuel Finder scheme is due to be up and running by late 2025. The government has said this depends on developing the system to be robust, effective and efficient enough before it goes live.
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