New Fuel Finder scheme 2026 – everything you need to know
Get the details on how the new Fuel Finder scheme could save you money
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A government-backed scheme is forcing UK forecourts to share updated fuel prices every 30 minutes – but what’s that got to do with the price of petrol?
Truthfully, not much. But you'll be able to see the up-to-date prices of petrol and diesel across the entire UK, and that could help you make major savings on your fuel.
Get the details on the scheme in our guide below.
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What is the Fuel Finder scheme?
There’s been a lot of talk about the Fuel Finder scheme since it was announced, but these are the details straight from the government:
A new gov-backed service that shows the latest retail fuel prices
Find forecourt details like the address, opening times and amenities
Prices are published within 30 minutes of any change
There are updated time stamps for the site and the price
It’s not a government-run website or tool, just a scheme that makes the data a requirement and accessible to the public
When was the Fuel Finder scheme released?
The scheme kicked off on 2 February 2026, meaning all fuel stations across the UK are now required to share their data.
Drivers can find the best deals with this information, and it may even lead to more competitive pricing across your local forecourts.
When was the Fuel Finder scheme announced?
We first heard of a price database policy in 2023, but it was officially announced in the 2025 Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The Chancellor claims the scheme could save the average household up to £40 per year.
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What’s the point of the Fuel Finder scheme?
The Fuel Finder scheme is here to help drivers save money on petrol and diesel, as it’s been an ever-increasing household bill that most UK households have had to grin and bear.
The scheme makes sure fuel pricing is always up to date and relevant, and allows third-party tools and websites to provide price comparisons.
This will make it easier to plan where to get a fresh tank of fuel at the best possible price.
How does the Fuel Finder scheme work?
To break it down, the Fuel Finder scheme is expected to function like:
Fuel forecourts across the UK must update the database of the current fuel price per litre, within 30 minutes of it changing
Third-party tools, websites and apps can use the data to provide an up-to-date price comparison
UK drivers can access these tools to see the current pricing and find the best rates in their area
Where can I find up-to-date petrol prices
If you want the data from the source, you can access the latest fuel prices on the gov.uk website.
You’ll be able to access the data by:
Downloading the latest CSV file – updated twice a day as of February 2026
By subscribing to the CSV file email, you'll get the latest link to your inbox each time it updates
Using the API – this allows the data to be integrated into third-party tools or services
Fuel Finder
Fuel Finder is a website that uses the Fuel Finder scheme’s API to show the latest prices.
It’s simple to use and can use a postcode or location to find up-to-date prices, with filtering options by mile radius.
Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices is another website and app option that offers the latest fuel price figures. You can also filter by postcode or location, and download the app for easy access.
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Who is affected by the scheme?
The Fuel Finder scheme could make forecourts more competitive on price.
Since the data will be so easily accessible, it could mean fuel stations are less likely to put their prices much higher than other local options.
Drivers can use the scheme to get the best deals on their fuel, but there may also be other amenities that make forecourts worth visiting when price differences are small. Things like car washes, quick service and even a good snack selection may play a part in customer loyalty.
What does it mean for you?
If you’re a driver or pay the bills for a car, you’ll probably be excited at the idea of getting the best price on fuel wherever you are.
We’ve all felt that feeling of filling up and then seeing a much lower price further down the road, so the Fuel Finder scheme can help us plan to avoid that.
Why do fuel prices change?
Fuel prices fluctuate due to global crude oil supply and demand. These can be influenced by things such as:
Crude oil wholesale prices
Exchange rates
Distribution and refining costs
Geopolitical events – such as instability in oil-producing regions
Local factors might also influence prices, such as:
Fuel duty and VAT
Seasonal demand
Supply chain issues
Local competition
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Fuel Finder explained
So, the government’s new Fuel Finder scheme will make it easier for drivers to budget, find the best-priced fuel and save money throughout the year.
The scheme is not a government-run website, app or tool, but rather a requirement that forecourts to supply data, which can be accessed via CSV or an API available for third parties.
Unless you’re getting the data through the government’s CSV file, email subscription or by downloading the API, you’ll be using an unaffiliated tool that takes the Fuel Finder data and supplies it in an easier format.