Petrol hits 174p and diesel tops 200p as Google Maps now shows live fuel prices across the UK

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled the Google Maps fuel price feature on Thursday, calling it a "game-changer" for hard-pressed families. The government claims drivers with a car could save around £40 a year by comparing forecourt prices in real time before filling up.

Petrol has soared 41p per litre in just seven months, since the US and Israel launched their surprise attacks on Iran in February.

Google Maps will only display a price when it has "high confidence" it is correct, product director Sarah-Jayne Williams confirmed.

Emergency plans including diesel rationing and a 50mph national speed limit remain on standby if the fuel crisis deepens further.