Fuel Stations now risk fines for over-charging consumers
If you’ve ever driven past one petrol station, filled up at the next, and then realised you’ve paid more, you’re not alone. But good news could be on the way. The government is rolling out a new scheme called Fuel Finder, designed to make fuel prices fairer, clearer, and easier to compare.
What Is Fuel Finder?
Fuel Finder is a national price transparency initiative that will require every fuel station in the UK to report any price changes within 30 minutes. That means you’ll soon be able to see up-to-date prices across your area in real time, helping you choose the best deal before setting off.
The scheme, first announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget, is part of a wider plan to make the fuel market more open and competitive. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) says it’s on track to launch by the end of 2025 (subject to parliamentary timings and approval).
A DESNZ spokesperson told GB News:
Retailers must give drivers a fair price by passing on savings at the pump. Fuel Finder will ensure real-time pricing transparency, making retailers more accountable for their pricing.
How It Will Keep Retailers Honest
To ensure everyone plays fair, the new Motor Fuel Price Regulations 2025 will give the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) new powers to monitor fuel prices and enforce the rules. Petrol stations that don’t report their prices properly - or try to gain an unfair advantage - could face some serious penalties, including:
- A fixed fine of up to 1% of global turnover
- A daily fine of up to 5% of daily global turnover
- Or both, depending on how serious the breach is
So, if a station tries to overcharge or hide price changes, they could be hit where it hurts - in the wallet.
What This Means for Drivers
A large majority of Fuel Stations in the UK already adhere to these new regulations and publish their updates daily. Users of our Fuel Prices Lookup service are already saving on their fuel costs with this Free service. Once enforced, these new rules will mean more data from retailers who still don't publish their data and faster updates, ensuring drivers are aware in advance where their cheapest fuel outlets are.
The Government estimates that once Fuel Finder is live, drivers could save between 1p and 6p per litre. That might not sound huge on its own, but over a year it could make a real difference - especially for those who rely on their cars every day.
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), which represents independent stations and major fuel chains, says it’s backing the scheme.
We’ve worked closely with the government to ensure a smooth introduction of Fuel Finder. We’re reviewing the consultation on penalties and helping our members prepare for the scheme’s start in 2026.
How to keep up-to-date on the latest fuel prices in your area
Our Fuel Prices Lookup service already tracks the latest prices in your area and helps keep your refuelling costs down. Once the new Government scheme is live, you will be able to access those latest prices directly from our website.