UK Petrol Stations Face 30-Minute Price Update Rule for Fuel Finder Tool

Petrol stations must update their fuel prices within 30 minutes of any change under new enforcement powers that came into force on 1 May 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority said. The requirement is designed to support the government’s Fuel Finder tool, which was launched in February 2026 and allows drivers to locate the cheapest available fuel in their local area.

Government modelling indicates that drivers using the tool could save between one and six pence per litre.

According to the RAC, average petrol prices are currently 9p per litre lower than they were at the start of the year while diesel has fallen 53p per litre. The RAC forecasts that petrol prices will remain largely stagnant in the near term, with diesel and premium diesel costs potentially coming down further.

Specific forecourt prices include 184p per litre for petrol at Lochaline Filling Station in Morvern, West Highlands (PA80 5AD).

Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, said all motorists were feeling the pinch of higher petrol and diesel prices. He reminded drivers that Rule 97 of the Highway Code requires them to have sufficient fuel or charge for their journey, particularly on motorways.

Running out of fuel on a motorway can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points for careless driving, plus recovery fees. Start Rescue advises monitoring local fuel forecourts and filling up when the fuel gauge shows roughly a quarter tank.

The Competition and Markets Authority has not publicly released data on current compliance rates with the 30-minute rule. No named officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero commented on the measure in the sourced material.