Millions of petrol and diesel drivers are missing out on potential savings at the pump, despite a new government initiative aimed at helping them find cheaper fuel prices. But here's where it gets controversial... While the Fuel Finder scheme, launched in February, is designed to help drivers save money by reporting fuel prices and availability in real-time, a staggering 61% of drivers are unaware of its existence. And this is the part most people miss... The scheme requires forecourts to report fuel prices and availability within 30 minutes of a change, allowing drivers to compare prices and find the cheapest options in their area. However, only 39% of people believe that the tool will actually bring fuel prices down, despite modeling showing that costs could drop by between one and six pence per litre. So, what's the catch? Well, it turns out that many drivers are unlikely to make significant savings on petrol and diesel, even if they do use comparison tools. In fact, only 19% say they are 'very likely' to check fuel prices before heading to their local petrol station. But why is this the case? It's not just about the money. Tom Jervis, consumer reporter at Auto Express, notes that while petrol and diesel prices have fallen in recent months, drivers are not simply focused on 'pounds and pence alone'. 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 behavior. In theory, access to live fuel pricing should encourage competition, but unlike online shopping, switching to a cheaper option often means traveling out of your way for relatively small savings. And this is where the controversy comes in... The 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% said it would need to be at least £5. So, while the Fuel Finder scheme has the potential to help drivers save money, it's clear that there are barriers to its success. The government has expressed its desire to ensure the price data is eventually rolled out directly to motorists, including through satellite navigation systems. But will this be enough to encourage drivers to make the switch? And what do you think? Do you think the Fuel Finder scheme will make a difference? Or do you think there are other factors at play that are preventing drivers from saving money at the pump? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
