How to find the cheapest petrol near you
Every UK forecourt now has to publish its prices within 30 minutes of changing them. That makes finding cheap fuel near you quicker than ever, if you know where to look.
1. Check live prices before you set off
Prices at forecourts a mile apart can differ by several pence a litre. Open Spotapump's live map, type your postcode or tap Use my location, and you'll see every nearby forecourt's price, cheapest first. Each price shows how old it is, so you know it's current.
2. Don't drive miles for a penny
The cheapest forecourt isn't always the best deal. Driving 3 miles out of your way and back can cost more than you save on a tank. Our guide Is cheaper fuel worth the drive? shows the sums. Spotapump Plus does them for you, using real road distances and your car's mpg.
3. Look at supermarkets first
Supermarket forecourts are often among the cheapest in an area, though not always. Compare today's averages on our supermarket fuel prices page. Supermarket fuel meets the same British Standards as branded fuel (more on that here).
4. Avoid motorway services if you can
Motorway service stations usually charge noticeably more than forecourts a short way off the motorway. If you're on a long trip, Spotapump Plus's Along a route search finds cheaper forecourts close to your way, counting the detour.
5. Use loyalty schemes
Many supermarkets and fuel brands run loyalty schemes that give points or money off fuel. They're worth having if you already shop there, but don't let points tempt you past a forecourt that's much cheaper.
6. Fill up when you're passing
A special trip to the cheapest forecourt uses fuel too. The cheapest fill-up is usually at a cheap forecourt you're already driving past.
Prices by town: see every forecourt's price in your town on our fuel prices by town pages.
Questions
How do I find the cheapest petrol near me?
Use a live price map such as Spotapump: enter your postcode or use your location to see every nearby forecourt's price, cheapest first. Prices come from the government's Fuel Finder and update within 30 minutes of a change.
Is the cheapest petrol station always the best value?
No. If it's further away, the fuel you burn getting there can cancel out the saving. As a rough guide, a 3p-a-litre saving on 40 litres is worth about £1.20, and a 6-mile round trip in a 45 mpg car uses about £1 of fuel.