With fuel prices varying by up to 15p per litre between stations, using a price comparison app can save you hundreds of pounds per year. But which app should you use? We've compared the top options for UK drivers in 2026.
The Contenders
Fuel Near You
Our pick for most drivers
- Real-time prices from the Government Fuel Finder scheme
- Clean, fast interface
- EV charger locations included
- No account required for basic use
- Free to use
Best for: Drivers who want quick, accurate prices without fuss
PetrolPrices
The established option
- Long-running service with large database
- Community-reported prices
- Price alerts feature
- Journey planner
Best for: Drivers who want community features
Zapmap
For EV drivers
- Primarily an EV charging app
- Petrol/diesel stations not covered
- Excellent charger filtering and availability info
- Route planning with charging stops
Best for: Electric vehicle owners
Waze
For navigation-focused drivers
- Fuel prices integrated into navigation
- Community-reported prices
- May be less current than dedicated apps
- Good for finding fuel along your route
Best for: Drivers who want navigation and prices in one app
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fuel Near You | PetrolPrices | Waze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live government data | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Community prices | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price alerts | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| EV chargers | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Navigation | Via maps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Account required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | Yes | Yes |
Accuracy Matters
Since February 2026, the UK Government's Fuel Finder scheme requires all forecourts to report prices within 30 minutes of changes. Apps using this official data source (like Fuel Near You) now offer significantly better accuracy than community-reported prices.
Community-reported prices can be: - Hours or days out of date - Missing for some stations - Subject to user error
Our Recommendations
For Petrol/Diesel Drivers
Fuel Near You - Fastest access to government-verified prices, plus EV charger locations if you're considering switching.
For EV Drivers
Zapmap - The most comprehensive EV charging database, with real-time availability and community reviews.
For Long Journeys
Waze - Integrated navigation means you can see cheap fuel along your route without switching apps.
For Budget-Conscious Drivers
Use multiple apps - Cross-reference prices on important fill-ups. The few minutes spent can save pounds.
Tips for Using Fuel Apps
- Check before you leave - Prices can change, but checking that morning gives you a good idea
- Set price alerts - Get notified when fuel near you drops below a certain price
- Consider the detour - A station 1 mile away isn't worth a 10-mile round trip for 2p savings
- Report issues - If you spot wrong prices, report them to improve accuracy for everyone
The Bottom Line
In 2026, there's no excuse for paying over the odds for fuel. Government price transparency rules mean accurate data is now available to everyone. Pick the app that suits your needs, check before you fill up, and watch the savings add up.
Try our fuel price map to find the cheapest petrol and diesel near you right now.