The Competition and Markets Authority found that the price difference between the cheapest and most expensive petrol station in the same area can be as much as 20p per litre. On a typical 50-litre fill, that's £10. Fill up weekly and you're paying £520 per year more than you need to, for no reason other than habit.
Why prices vary so much
Fuel pricing is hyperlocal. Supermarket forecourts typically price aggressively to drive footfall to their stores. Independent stations set prices based on their wholesale supply contracts, local competition, and operating costs. Motorway services price for captive audiences. The result is a patchwork where two stations a mile apart can charge wildly different amounts for the same product.
The CMA Fuel Finder Scheme
From February 2026, all UK fuel retailers are legally required to report their pump prices to approved third-party apps within 30 minutes of any price change. This is the CMA's Fuel Finder Scheme, designed to give drivers real-time visibility and put competitive pressure on overpriced stations.
The practical effect: the data in fuel price apps is now as close to real-time as it's ever been.
Supermarkets aren't always cheapest
Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons are generally among the cheapest, but not always. Local independents with low overheads sometimes undercut them, particularly outside of major cities. The only way to know is to check before you leave, not when the fuel light comes on.
20p
per litre price gap in the same area
£520
potential annual saving on fuel
The simple fix
Check fuel prices before you leave home. That's it. One glance at a live fuel price tool tells you which nearby station is cheapest today. No loyalty cards, no apps switching, no driving around, just information at the right moment.
How Revn helps
Revn includes live fuel prices, petrol, diesel, and EV charging, built into the app. Filter by fuel type, see prices sorted by distance or cost, and get directions in one tap. It's free, and it always will be.
Further reading
The true annual cost of running a car in the UK, and where you can save →EV charging in the UK, what every electric car driver needs to know →Read the renewal guide →FAQ
How much can I save by comparing fuel prices?
With a typical 20p/litre gap between nearby stations, a weekly fill of a 50-litre tank could save up to £520 per year.
Are fuel price apps accurate?
Since February 2026, all UK retailers must report price changes within 30 minutes under the CMA Fuel Finder Scheme, making app data highly accurate.
Sources: CMA road fuel quarterly report, CMA Fuel Finder Scheme (February 2026)
Find the cheapest fuel near you
Revn shows live petrol, diesel, and EV charging prices, free. One tap for directions.
Get started for free