Fuel stations could face heavy fines for overcharging drivers as the government prepares to launch its new Fuel Finder price transparency scheme.
The initiative, first announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last year’s Autumn Budget, aims to make fuel pricing fairer and more transparent. It will require every filling station in the UK to report any changes to prices or the temporary unavailability of fuel within 30 minutes.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that the scheme is still on track to launch by the end of 2025. Speaking to GB News, a DESNZ spokesperson said: “Retailers must give drivers a fair price by passing on savings at the pump. Fuel Finder will ensure real-time pricing transparency, making retailers more accountable.”
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will also gain new powers to monitor the road fuel market and enforce compliance. Under the proposals, filling stations that fail to meet the reporting requirements could face severe fines, including:
• A fixed penalty of up to 1% of global turnover
• A daily fine of up to 5% of daily global turnover
• Or both, depending on the severity and duration of the breach
Penalties could apply if a breach harms consumers, obstructs a CMA investigation, or if a retailer deliberately gains an unfair advantage by not complying.
Government modelling suggests that once Fuel Finder goes live, drivers could save between 1p and 6p per litre.
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), which represents independent fuel stations and major forecourt operators, says it is fully supporting the scheme’s rollout. “We’ve worked closely with the government to ensure a smooth introduction of Fuel Finder,” said a PRA spokesperson. “We’re reviewing the consultation on penalties and helping our members prepare for the scheme’s start in 2026.”
Fuel Finder is expected to mirror the success of Northern Ireland’s Fuel Price Checker, which publishes real-time data on the cheapest and most expensive fuel across the country. The tool has helped Northern Irish drivers save around 7p per litre on petrol and 10p per litre on diesel compared to the UK average.
For example, petrol in Dungannon currently costs 124.9p per litre, while diesel in Cookstown is around £1.29, well below the UK averages of 135.48p and 143.13p respectively.
If successful, Fuel Finder could make similar savings possible for motorists across the rest of the UK while holding retailers accountable for unfair pricing.
