Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert Advises Drivers to Use App for Cheaper Petrol
The financial experts at Martin Lewis-founded Money Saving Expert (MSE) have highlighted a practical method for motorists to reduce their petrol expenses. In a recent blog post, the team emphasised the importance of checking a specific website or its corresponding mobile application before refuelling to secure lower prices.
Utilise a 'Nifty' Free Tool for Fuel Comparisons
Under a section titled "Find the cheapest petrol or diesel prices in your area," MSE describes a "handy" free tool that drivers should consult. The organisation states: "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."
This recommendation coincides with the government's impending launch of a 'Fuel Finder' initiative, designed to assist drivers in locating the best prices. The scheme will mandate retailers to report their prices, enabling real-time comparisons and fostering increased competition among forecourts.
Current Tools Remain Essential Until Government Scheme Goes Live
MSE clarifies: "While 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."
Specifically, MSE directs drivers to PetrolPrices.com, noting: "Find the cheapest fuel near you. Go to PetrolPrices.com." The team adds: "There's also a PetrolPrices app to make it easier to use on your phone."
How PetrolPrices Works and Its Potential Savings
PetrolPrices enables users to identify the most affordable filling stations in their vicinity by registering and entering a postcode, town, or city, along with specifying their maximum travel distance, which can extend up to 20 miles. The service covers approximately 8,300 forecourts across the United Kingdom.
Employing websites and applications that compare fuel prices can effectively lower petrol costs by providing drivers with real-time, location-based information. This allows motorists to pinpoint the cheapest nearby petrol stations, leading to significant savings.
Once the UK Government's Fuel Finder programme commences, petrol stations will be required to update their prices in a central database within 30 minutes. This development will ensure that applications such as PetrolPrices, Waze, and the AA can deliver accurate and current data.
Substantial Financial Benefits for Drivers
MSE elaborated on the potential savings, stating: "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. While the difference per litre may be pennies, in percentage terms you could pay 20% more by going to the 'wrong' forecourt."
Additional Cost-Saving Recommendations from MSE
On the same MSE news page, the expert team also suggests investigating whether a Costco warehouse is nearby. The blog explains: "Petrol savings can make membership worth it."
It continues: "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."
