Google Maps will now show fuel prices to help British motorists find cheaper petrol and diesel, in response to soaring costs.
A search for forecourts on the app will display their locations and pricing, using data from the government's Fuel Finder scheme. This legal requirement means UK forecourts must update their prices within 30 minutes of change.
The feature comes days after diesel topped £2 per litre for the first time, a price threshold no one wanted to cross, according to RAC policy head Simon Williams.
While multiple apps already offer fuel price comparisons, Google Maps, used by 77% of Britain's adult population, is a significant new player in the market. Diesel prices have since fallen by 2p, but an average 55-litre tank still costs around £110, with petrol equivalent coming to around £96.
Some experts say Fuel Finder is not entirely reliable, with coverage and accuracy issues noted. Google Maps will check data independently and only display prices with high confidence of accuracy.
