Google Maps now shows petrol prices – the app that once told you how far to the next rest stop now tells you how much to pay

Google Maps has added a new layer that shows live petrol and diesel prices when you search for a forecourt, turning the familiar navigation tool into a price‑comparison engine.

The feature is part of the government‑backed Fuel Finder scheme, which already supplies pricing data to supermarkets and other retailers.

The rollout comes after diesel prices hit a record £2 a litre, prompting officials to push for greater transparency and competition in fuel pricing.

Motorists can now see up‑to‑date fuel costs directly on the map, making it easier to shop around for the cheapest pump.

The government says the move will help consumers make more informed choices and encourage market efficiency, while the data is also available for businesses that need fuel‑price insights.

Critics note that the new visibility could pressure smaller forecourts, but officials argue that open pricing benefits everyone by fostering competition.