On 2nd February, the UK government formally launched its Fuel Finder scheme. Under new rules, retailers must submit price changes within 30 minutes, enabling drivers to view near-real-time pricing via platforms such as PetrolPrices. The policy follows the Competition and Markets Authority’s recommendations to increase transparency and competition.
January delivered a sharp rebound in global oil prices, but UK motorists saw fuel prices fall at the pump.
Brent crude opened the year close to $61.62 per barrel, reflecting the heavy price declines seen through 2025. However, geopolitical tensions quickly took centre stage. Ukraine stepped up attacks on Russian refining and export infrastructure, while the United States dramatically escalated pressure on both Iran and Venezuela. Washington imposed sweeping penalties on countries trading with Tehran and moved naval forces into the Gulf, raising fears of potential disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian exports fell for a fourth consecutive month, and US enforcement action against Venezuelan oil shipments further tightened near-term supply.
These risks pushed Brent steadily higher through January, reaching six-month highs above $70 per barrel by the end of the month, a $10 increase. Earlier in the month, tensions between the US and the EU also flared after President Trump threatened to annex Greenland, further adding to market volatility and risk premiums.
Despite this, UK pump prices fell. Unleaded dropped from 135ppl at the start of January to 131.4ppl by month-end, while diesel fell from 144ppl to 140.3ppl. These reductions reflected wholesale price declines observed late in 2025, which finally fed through to retail prices.
Wholesale prices, however, moved in the opposite direction in January, as global supply fears took precedence over oversupply. This divergence compressed margins across the fuel retail sector. By the end of the month, the retail-to-wholesale spread sat more than 3ppl below its six-month average for diesel and 1ppl below for unleaded, limiting the scope for further price cuts.
At the same time, pricing behaviour became finely balanced. The number of stations cutting prices is now broadly in line with those increasing them, signalling that the period of rapid price falls has ended. With wholesale prices rising, diesel is particularly exposed to price increases in early February.
Oversupply remains a primary price driver in 2026; however, geopolitical tensions currently dominate the pricing landscape.
Do you think this scheme will lead to a reduction in prices? Let us know in the comments or our poll.
If you have any questions on what Fuel Finder is, check out this page, or email us at [email protected]
Two Asian independent stations Shell in Braintree and Esso near Ipswich have been selling for 10 – 14p cheaper than others in their areas. Now mainly supermarkets are matching them. I buy the branded to support them while also getting full with their additives. Only draw backs is queuing at every pump. Smaller profit, but huge turnover, good luck to them.
I do the same by supporting an Asian Shell station in my area of lincolnshire, have done for a while, always queues at every pump.
Although the garages must now legally update their prices, 10 days in, and I see little change in the accuracy of reported prices in any of the apps I use. Without teeth, this measure is merely a milksop to make the government look like it is doing something.
Hi Richard, you can read more about how we’re presenting the data in PetrolPrices here: https://www.petrolprices.com/fuel-finder/
Currently the scheme is still taking a while to roll out so we aren’t comfortable in switching off our other data sources yet as you will see a reduction in service if we do. But rest assured we show the most up to date price we have and we’re excited about the changes the scheme will bring.
Independents using Texaco are always 10p a litre or more cheaper around here (North Shropshire). This is for diesel.
Hopefully, this government scheme will make even more people aware.
The argument that petrol stations will merge their price at the higher end works the other way too. Consumers may be more aware of who is cheapest, forcing the expensive garages to be more competitive.
The Supermarkets are the biggest rip-off on fuel prices; Sainsbury’s, Tesco Kidderminster are charging 10p more than small local garages.
My local Shell station was regularly 5ppl less than others in the region (Sussex/Hampshire) but now all are the same so my costs have risen. Tesco prices still vary and are much cheaper.
Supermarket prices are not usually competitive
I’ve tried four times to get info on fuel prices in my area and no map has come up ie zero information
The site isnt accurate for starters, the nearest places are often across rivers – with Tolls required to get there 🤣🤣🤣So not near and expensive…
Hello, thanks for your review the distance is as the crow flies, if you view the price on the map view this should help. Thanks