AA App Fuel Price Report

Road travellers on North-South motorways and major roads this Easter can now locate fuel stops at least 20p a litre cheaper than others just four or five junctions away. That’s a saving of a tenner or more a tank, AA analysis reveals.

With petrol on motorways mostly around the 160p-a-litre mark (see price tracks in Notes to Editors), pump-price ‘Easter eggs’ can be found off Junction 16 of the M1 and between Junctions 32 and 33 (Lancaster) on the M6:



Source: AA App, from prices submitted by retailers on Monday to the CMA voluntary pump-price reporting scheme

On the A1M / A1, just a handful of junctions can determine whether drivers pay maximum prices or rock-bottom ones that offer huge savings:

Source: AA App, from prices submitted by retailers on Monday to the CMA voluntary pump-price reporting scheme

For travellers heading to the Channel ports and the Eurostar, savings on the major road network from the M25 eastwards are sparse unless filling up before reaching the M25. Examples are Wisley on the A3 and Baldock on the A1M:

Source: AA App, from prices submitted by retailers on Monday to the CMA voluntary pump-price reporting scheme

“This is the power of pump-price transparency - drivers on long-range road journeys can now save big time on fuel costs because the information is available on their mobile phones and other devices. Eventually, it will also stimulate competition at forecourts along the major road network,” says Luke Bosdet, the AA’s spokesman on road fuel prices.

“Currently, there is a very clear ‘going rate’ for road fuel prices along the motorways, around 160p a litre for petrol and 167p to 170p a litre for diesel. That would incense most drivers. In comparison, UK pump prices average 135.5p for petrol and 142p for diesel.

“However, the voluntary price reporting scheme run by the CMA, with 65% of fuel stations contributing, now offers major opportunities for drivers to slash their fuel costs and forecourts to be competitive and attract customers. The start of next year sees the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme come into force, with near 100% coverage.”

Bosdet continues: “The AA is already harnessing the consumer potential of this price transparency in its AA App: not only can you search prices by location but follow a route on screen to see where to save money.

“It has to be understood that pump prices at motorway services are always likely to be higher because of their 24-hour operation and free services, such as toilets and parking, but the hope is that price transparency will create more competition and choice among them.

“On the flipside, the bargain pump prices on other major routes may not be available late at night due to operating hours. However, regular travellers will now locate favourites along their routes and check the prices before they set off.”

Pump prices (M25, M1, M6, A1M/A1, South East corner and Channel ports) provided by fuel retailers on Monday to the CMA voluntary pump-price reporting scheme.

Access fuel price data - GOV.UK