(Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis)
Andy Burnham has announced a new tool designed to help households save money at the pump.
The feature launches today (Thursday, October 8), allowing motorists to search for nearby petrol stations and compare fuel prices before filling up.
The Prime Minister said the move was intended to help families facing higher motoring costs as global events push up fuel prices. Posting on social media, Mr Burnham said: "I know people are worried about fuel prices. And I get it. You get to the pump, watch the numbers climb, and wonder why it's costing so much more than it used to."
He added: "But I won't accept that there's nothing I can do to help."
I know people are worried about fuel prices. And I get it. You get to the pump, watch the numbers climb, and wonder why it's costing so much more than it used to. The reality is that global events are pushing up costs, and families here at home are feeling the impact. But I won't accept that there's nothing I can do to help. That's why from today, you'll be able to see petrol and diesel prices on Google Maps, compare nearby stations and find the cheapest option before you fill up. It's a small change, but if there's a practical way to help people keep more money in their pocket, I'll do it.
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) October 8, 2026
What new petrol and diesel price tool means for drivers
The new feature means drivers can open Google Maps, search for a nearby forecourt and view near real-time petrol and diesel prices to help them find the cheapest option in their area.
Comparing prices could save a household with a car around £40 a year, according to the Government.
However, the announcement does not mean petrol or diesel prices are being cut. Instead, the tool is designed to make it easier for drivers to find better-value fuel locally.
How to find cheaper petrol and diesel on Google Maps
Motorists can check prices by opening Google Maps and searching for petrol stations or forecourts nearby.
The app will display available petrol and diesel prices, allowing drivers to compare local options before deciding where to fill up.
The prices come from the Government's Fuel Finder scheme, which requires petrol stations to report changes to their fuel prices within 30 minutes.
The requirement became compulsory in February, with forecourts risking a fine if they fail to comply.
The Government says around 99% of fuel sold on UK roads is now reflected in the data.
Fuel Finder information is already available through services including Waze, Petrol Prices, the AA, Confused.com and RAC Fuel Watch. Its arrival on Google Maps is expected to make the information accessible to millions more drivers.
Government says families need help with fuel costs
The announcement comes as the Government points to the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on fuel prices and the wider cost of living.
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Chancellor John Healey said the new feature would not solve every problem facing households, but could help motorists find a better deal.
"Getting the best price at the pump is now easier. This doesn’t fix everything; bills have gone up because of events in the Middle East," he said.
"But we’re not powerless. And small changes like this, cutting tax on electricity bills and capping bus fares at £2 all help give families a bit of breathing space."