The team of financial specialists at MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has revealed a method for drivers to find cheaper petrol prices. In a blog post published on the MSE website, the team recommended a website – or its corresponding app – that motorists should consider using if they’re looking to reduce their petrol expenditure.

In a section titled: “Find the cheapest petrol or diesel prices in your area”, MSE highlights a ‘handy’ free tool worth consulting before purchasing petrol. MSE said: “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.”

The advice comes as the government is introducing a ‘fuel finder’ to help drivers find the most competitive prices. The initiative will mandate retailers to disclose their prices, enabling drivers to compare them in real time and fostering competition, reports the Mirror.

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.”

Diesel prices have risen by nearly a quarter since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, new figures show. The RAC said the average price of a litre of the fuel at UK forecourts reached 175.7p on Wednesday. That is up 23% from 142.4p on February 28, the day the war began. Average petrol prices have increased by 13% over the same period, from 132.8p to 149.4p.

Recommending the website drivers should try using when refuelling their vehicle, MSE suggests: “Find the cheapest fuel near you. Go to PetrolPrices.com.” It adds: “There’s also a PetrolPrices app to make it easier to use on your phone.”

PetrolPrices enables people to identify the cheapest petrol stations in their vicinity by registering, entering a postcode, town, or city, and specifying how far they’re willing to travel (up to 20 miles). It encompasses approximately 8,300 forecourts across the UK, according to MSE.

Using websites and apps that compare fuel prices can help reduce petrol costs by providing drivers with real-time information based on their location. In this way, they can locate the most affordable petrol stations nearby, which could result in savings.

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. While 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 nearby. “Petrol savings can make membership worth it,” it explains.

“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.”