Millions of petrol and diesel drivers could be missing out on major savings at the filling station, despite the launch of a new feature that should see them save money.
New data has found that a staggering 61 per cent of drivers are unaware of the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme, which was formally launched on February 2.
Forecourts are required to report their fuel prices and the unavailability of fuel within 30 minutes of a change to help drivers find the cheapest petrol and diesel costs in their local area.
The data from the Government is provided in a spreadsheet format, with comparison websites, like PetrolPrices, collating them into a map or more digestible data.
Data shows that 47 per cent of drivers had never heard of the scheme, while 14 per cent of those who knew of Fuel Finder were unaware that it had launched.
Only 39 per cent of people believe that the tool will actually bring fuel prices down, despite modelling showing that costs could drop by between one and six pence per litre.
Further issues could arise from the new changes, with just 19 per cent saying they were “very likely” to check fuel prices before heading to their local petrol station.
More than two in five said they were unlikely to bother checking, while two-thirds said they were “very unlikely” to compare prices.
New data has found that many drivers are unlikely to make significant savings on petrol and diesel
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PA
Using comparison tools could help drivers save hundreds of pounds a year when filling up, especially if they always visit the same forecourt without checking for cheaper alternatives.
Tom Jervis, consumer reporter at Auto Express, noted that while petrol and diesel prices have fallen in recent months, drivers are not simply focused on “pounds and pence alone”.
He added: “Time and convenience still play a major role in how people choose where to fill up, which raises questions about how much the Fuel Finder scheme will change real-world behaviour.
“In theory, access to live fuel pricing should encourage competition, but unlike online shopping, switching to a cheaper option often means travelling out of your way for relatively small savings.”
A handful of Costco forecourts around the UK are offering petrol at far lower prices than other supermarkets and major retailers
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PAThe research showed that many drivers were unlikely to switch from their usual filling station unless they could make substantial savings.
One-third of drivers said they would need to save at least £3 per tank, while 28 per cent said it would need to be at least £5.
Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, said the tool needed to work seamlessly to ensure motorists want to save fuel.
The Government has expressed its desire to ensure the price data is eventually rolled out directly to motorists, including through satellite navigation systems.
Drivers in Northern Ireland already benefit from cheaper fuel prices compared to the rest of the UK
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CONSUMER COUNCILThe latest data from the Fuel Finder tool shows that Costco stores in Liverpool and Leeds appear to be the cheapest E5 super unleaded fuel in the country.
The Costco on Waterloo Road in Liverpool appears to be selling E5 for just £1.10, while the retailer is selling premium petrol for £1.17 in Hunslet, Leeds.
Many forecourts in Northern Ireland are selling fuel for less than 121p per litre, including Dungannon, Craigavon, Belfast, Newry, Derry, Glengormley, and Lisburn.
However, there are still some errors with the data provided by the Fuel Finder scheme, including forecourts reporting fuel prices of a few pence per litre, or as much as £15 for a litre.