Google Maps adds fuel prices to help drivers save at the pump
Thursday 08 October 2026
Drivers in Northern Ireland will be able to compare petrol and diesel prices on Google Maps from today, with the government estimating that shopping around could save households with a car around £40 a year.
Near real-time pump prices are being added to the app across the UK on Thursday 8 October, making it easier to check nearby forecourts before filling up.
The feature uses Fuel Finder data, which the government says now covers around 99% of all fuel sold on UK roads. That figure refers to fuel sales, rather than the proportion of petrol stations covered.
How to check prices near you
To find local prices, open the Google Maps app and search ‘petrol prices near me’, then check the petrol or diesel prices displayed for nearby forecourts.
For motorists in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland, the feature offers another way to compare local options before choosing where to buy fuel.
The £40 figure is an estimated average annual saving from comparing prices, rather than a guaranteed reduction for every household.
Prices reported within 30 minutes
Fuel Finder was created following a recommendation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to help drivers find more competitive prices.
According to the government, petrol stations across the UK have been required since February to report fuel price changes within 30 minutes or risk a fine. The CMA can take action where there is evidence of non-compliance.
The government says the overwhelming majority of petrol stations are submitting their data promptly. Fuel Finder information is already used by services including Waze, Petrol Prices, the AA, Confused.com and RAC Fuel Watch.
Making fuel costs easier to compare
Minister for Energy Consumers 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.”
Sarah-Jayne Williams, Director of Global Product Partnerships for Geo at Google, said:
“Integrating Fuel Finder data into Google Maps and Waze gives drivers visibility on nearby pump prices, helping drivers make intentional choices to help their budgets go further this winter.”
For drivers, the practical change is being able to check nearby pump prices in an app they may already use for their journey, before deciding where to stop.
