Real-time petrol prices now live on Google Maps

Petrol and diesel prices are now visible on Google Maps in near real time, meaning drivers in the UK can see what a nearby forecourt is charging before they pull in to fill up. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed the change, which marks the first time fuel prices have been integrated into the mapping service at this level of detail.

For anyone watching what they spend on fuel, the practical effect is straightforward. Rather than driving past several stations hoping to spot the cheapest price on a sign, a driver can check the map before setting off and head directly to the forecourt offering the best deal. On a full tank, even a penny or two per litre difference can add up to a meaningful saving over the course of a year.

The government has been pushing for greater transparency on forecourt pricing for some time, arguing that when drivers can easily compare prices, competition between fuel retailers increases and pump prices face more downward pressure. Making that information available inside a tool that millions of people already use daily is intended to accelerate that effect without requiring drivers to change their habits significantly.

The data feeding the feature is described as near real time, which means prices shown may not reflect the exact figure at the pump at the precise moment a driver arrives, but they are close enough to give a reliable guide when planning a journey. Drivers filling up regularly, particularly those with longer commutes or higher-mileage vehicles, stand to benefit most from building this kind of comparison into their routine.