Drivers in the UK will now have the ability to view live petrol prices on Google Maps starting Thursday, a move aimed at enhancing transparency in fuel pricing and fostering competition among retailers. This initiative comes as diesel prices have reached a record £2 per litre, prompting many to seek out the most affordable options.
Key Features of the New Update
- Live Pricing: Motorists can search for local forecourts in the Google app to find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices.
- Data Source: The information will be sourced from the government’s Fuel Finder platform, which provides real-time prices at 99% of forecourts.
- Encouraging Competition: The update is expected to promote fair pricing and competition among fuel retailers, especially as many face unprecedented road fuel costs due to global supply issues linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.
Context and Background
The average price of diesel in the UK has surged by over 40% since late February, reaching record levels. Edmund King, president of the motoring group AA, expressed optimism about the new feature, stating:
