Google Maps fuel prices live: How drivers can save £40 a year by finding the cheapest petrol

Millions of motorists can now compare petrol and diesel prices directly through Google Maps and Waze, in a move that could help drivers save money every time they fill up.

The new feature uses data from the Government's Fuel Finder scheme to display near real-time fuel prices at petrol stations across the UK

How does it work?

Drivers can search for "petrol" or "fuel" in Google Maps or Waze and see nearby filling stations along with their latest fuel prices. Petrol and diesel costs are displayed directly on the map, making it easier to compare prices before heading to a forecourt.

Users can also view the different types of fuel sold at each station and compare prices without needing to visit multiple websites or apps.

How much could drivers save?

Motorists could save an average of around £40 a year by shopping around for cheaper fuel.

The launch comes against a backdrop of soaring fuel prices.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero minister Polly Billington said: "Tackling the affordability crisis is our first responsibility and for so many families and businesses, petrol and diesel are essential goods, not luxuries.  

"Accessing the cheapest fuel should be simple, which is why it is a gamechanger for near real-time fuel prices to be shown on Google Maps for the first time in the UK, helping drivers to find the best deal and save money at the pump."

How much does it cost to fill a car with petrol?

Petrol prices are at an average 161.3p per litre in August, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It means filling a 50-litre tank costs around £80.65.

But the RAC more up-to-date reading puts the average now at 171.27p

That make the cost of filling a 50-litre tank now £85.63 - a jump of around £5 in just a month.

When petrol is this expensive, any move you make to keep costs down are worthwhile.

Sign up to loyalty schemes for petrol savings

Collecting loyalty points when you fill up your car is one way to help get something back.

Major supermarkets forecourts including Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons offer customers the chance to collect points or link loyalty to savings.

For example, you can get 5p off a litre when swapping 300 Nectar points at Sainsbury's and selected Esso petrol stations.

Consider using when you are doing a bigger fill-up of the tank - the saving may not cover the cost of points on smaller fuel purchases.

It's also worth checking the Nectar app before filling up, as occasionally there are extra offers available for fuel.

You can also collect one Nectar point per litre and at Tesco, you'll earn one Clubcard point for every two litres of fuel.

It's not just supermarkets, at BP stations you can collect points through the BPme rewards scheme which can then be swapped for money off and other rewards.