Google Maps has introduced a new feature to display fuel prices, assisting motorists in the UK to find cheaper petrol and diesel as prices continue to rise. Starting Thursday, users searching for forecourts on the app will see their locations along with current pricing, sourced from the government's Fuel Finder scheme.

Key Features of the Update

  • Legal Requirement: UK forecourts must update their prices on Fuel Finder within 30 minutes of any changes.
  • Rising Costs: The price of diesel recently surpassed £2 per litre, a threshold described by RAC policy head Simon Williams as "a price threshold no one wanted to cross."
  • Usage Statistics: According to Ofcom, 77% of Britain's adult population uses Google Maps for navigation.

Context and Impact

Fuel prices globally have been significantly affected by geopolitical tensions, including the US war with Iran and Russia's war with Ukraine. Although diesel prices have decreased by 2p, the AA reports that filling an average 55-litre tank of diesel still costs around £110, while petrol costs approximately £96.