Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert has shared a free petrol price comparison tool that could save drivers £10-£15 per fill-up on a typical family car
The squad of financial experts at Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE) website have revealed a method drivers can use to secure cheaper petrol prices. In a recent blog post published on the MSE website, the team highlighted a website motorists should consider visiting, or accessing via its app, if they want to reduce their petrol expenditure.
In a section entitled: “Find the cheapest petrol or diesel prices in your area”, MSE says there is a ‘handy’ free tool worth checking before purchasing petrol. MSE says: “The easiest way to find the cheapest forecourt in your area for petrol or diesel, whether standard or premium, is by comparing prices using a nifty free tool.”
It emerges as the government is launching a ‘fuel finder’ to help drivers locate the best prices. It is set to require retailers to report their prices, allowing drivers to compare them in real time and increasing competition.
MSE explains: “Whilst the idea’s been agreed and some data is shared voluntarily, the full compulsory system isn’t live yet and won’t be until later in 2026. Until then, tools like the one below remain the easiest way to cut costs. For more on the proposed scheme, see the Gov.uk website.”
Revealing the website drivers should use when it comes to filling up their car, MSE says: “Find the cheapest fuel near you. Go to PetrolPrices.com.”, reports the Mirror.
It adds: “There’s also a PetrolPrices app to make it easier to use on your phone.”
PetrolPrices enables individuals to locate the cheapest petrol stations in their vicinity by registering, inputting a postcode, town or city, and specifying how far they’re prepared to travel (up to 20 miles). It encompasses approximately 8,300 forecourts across the UK, according to MSE.
Utilising websites and apps that compare fuel prices can assist in reducing petrol costs by providing drivers with real-time data based on their location. In this way, they can identify the most affordable petrol stations nearby, potentially saving on expenses.
Following the initiation of the Fuel Finder programme by the UK Government, petrol stations are obliged to update their prices in a central database within 30 minutes. This means apps like PetrolPrices, Waze, and the AA can supply accurate, current information.
MSE added: “Using it can save as much as £10-£15 on filling up a typical family car. For example, within five miles of a postcode in Durham the price of unleaded on 26 January ranged from 126.9p to 155.9p per litre. Whilst the difference per litre may be pennies, in percentage terms you could pay 20% more by going to the ‘wrong’ forecourt.”
On the same MSE news page, the team of experts also suggest checking if there is a Costco in close proximity. “Petrol savings can make membership worth it,” it clarifies.
“Many unknowingly qualify for Costco membership (£42/yr) and petrol savings alone may pay for it. As an example for a postcode in Essex, we found unleaded prices ranging from the cheapest – Costco, at 125.9p/L – to a pricey 155.9p/L within five miles. That’s a £17 difference when filling up a typical family car. For a full rundown, see our Costco Tips guide.”
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