Motorists can now search for the cheapest place to fill up their tank on Google Maps.

From today, the free mobile and web mapping service will display the price of petrol and diesel and their locations at forecourts across the UK, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced.

The move has been hailed by the Government as a “game-changer” amid rising petrol and diesel costs.

According to the department, car owners could save around £40 a year through greater transparency on fuel prices.

It comes days after the price of diesel topped £2 per litre for the first time.

The cost of diesel has risen steadily in recent weeks due to the impact on global supplies from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and from hostilities in the Middle East.

And the ongoing war between the US and Iran continues to disrupt the global trade limiting the production and supply of fuel needed by consumers.

This week the average price for a litre of diesel had climbed to 200.11p, while the cost for petrol was 174.89p.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said today: “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.”
 
It is a legal requirement for UK forecourts to add their prices to Fuel Finder within 30 minutes of changing them.

Minister for energy consumers Polly Billington said: “Tackling the affordability crisis is our first responsibility and for so many families and businesses, petrol and diesel are essential goods, not luxuries.

“Accessing the cheapest fuel should be simple, which is why it is a game-changer for near real-time fuel prices to be shown on Google Maps for the first time in the UK, helping drivers find the best deal and save money at the pump.”

Sarah-Jayne Williams, director of global product partnerships for Geo at Google, said: “Navigating fuel rising costs shouldn’t add stress to everyday journeys.

“Integrating Fuel Finder data into Google Maps and Waze gives drivers visibility on nearby pump prices, helping drivers make intentional choices to help their budgets go further this winter.”