The Fuel Finder scheme, explained
Fuel Finder is the government scheme that makes every UK petrol station publish its prices. Since 2 February 2026 it has been compulsory: each forecourt must report a price change within 30 minutes, and the prices are released as open data for apps and websites to use.
Updated 14 October 2026
Why it exists
The Competition and Markets Authority investigated the fuel market and concluded that competition between retailers had weakened, with drivers paying more than they needed to. Earlier price sharing was voluntary and patchy. Fuel Finder made it a legal requirement for every site, from the big supermarket chains to independent garages.
What gets reported
The price of each fuel grade a site sells (typically unleaded, diesel, and where offered super unleaded and premium diesel) along with the site’s location and details. Prices must be updated within 30 minutes of changing at the pump.
How well it works
For most stations it works well, and it has made comparison apps far more accurate. There have been compliance problems: some sites were found not to be reporting at all, and others not updating regularly. That is improving as enforcement continues, but it is why a published price should be treated as a guide and checked at the pump.
What it means for you
You can now compare the real price at the stations around you before you set off, rather than relying on the one you pass. Odomint uses the Fuel Finder data on its Map tab, shows the cheapest nearby station in green, and works out how much it saves against the local average. Prices are published under the Open Government Licence.
What it does not cover
Fuel Finder covers petrol and diesel at forecourts. It does not cover electric vehicle charging prices, which are published by charge point operators, or private fuel supplies such as farm or fleet depots.
It also does not set prices or cap them. Its purpose is transparency: making prices visible so drivers can choose, which in turn puts pressure on retailers to compete. How much drivers save depends on how many of them actually compare before they fill up, which is the point of putting the prices in front of you at the moment you are deciding.
Common questions
When did the Fuel Finder scheme start?
Reporting became compulsory for every UK forecourt on 2 February 2026.
How quickly must petrol stations update their prices?
Within 30 minutes of a price change at the pump.
Is Fuel Finder data free to use?
Yes. The prices are released as open data under the Open Government Licence, which is how apps can show them.
Check any car before you buy it
MOT history, every advisory and the full mileage record are free for any UK registration. An Odomint Check adds outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, stolen markers and salvage history, with a £10,000 data guarantee.