More than a third of drivers have expressed concerns about the cost of petrol and diesel over the next year, despite Labour launching the new Government-backed price comparison scheme.
New research shows that 36 per cent of motorists said rising fuel prices remain their biggest concern for the year ahead.
The findings follow new rules from the Competition and Markets Authority, which requires petrol stations across the country to share their pump prices with a central database.
The move has paved the way for the Government‘s new “Fuel Finder” tool, which allows drivers to compare prices at filling stations nationwide in real time.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves claimed the scheme could save the average household around £40 a year by encouraging retailers to compete more aggressively on price.
The platform shows up-to-date prices for petrol and diesel at every forecourt, along with details such as location, brand, operator, facilities and opening hours. Prices are updated within 30 minutes, meaning motorists can quickly see where the cheapest fuel is available nearby.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, welcomed the scheme but said drivers will be hoping it leads to real change.
He said: “We hope this is the start of the journey to cheaper fuel prices around the UK. As a growing number of the country’s 8,300 forecourts submit their prices on a daily basis, drivers will be able to easily find the cheapest forecourts near them using their favoured app or sat nav.”
Reports revealed how one out of three drivers expressed worry over petrol and diesel costs
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GETTYThe survey also found that 32 per cent of drivers were concerned about rising car insurance premiums, while 23 per cent fear potholes could damage their vehicles.
Ongoing maintenance costs were also a key worry, with around one in five drivers concerned about paying for MOTs and servicing.
The same proportion, 20 per cent, said they were anxious about increases in road tax and the cost of buying a new car.
John Cassidy, managing director at Close Brothers Motor Finance, warned that the pressure is coming from all directions.
Petrol and diesel prices are likely to increase after the fuel duty freeze is axed
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PAHe said: “Many drivers will be making extra journeys and spending more time at the fuel pump, so it’s no surprise that fuel prices have become the biggest worry for motorists.
“But rising insurance, maintenance and repair costs mean consumers are being squeezed from all sides. For many motorists, it can feel like they’re being financially hit from every angle.
“To cut costs, drivers are increasingly having to explore ways to stretch their budgets further, whether that’s shopping around for cheaper fuel, car sharing, or cutting back elsewhere.”
Mr Cassidy warned that these financial strains could also shape what cars people choose to buy in future, as drivers look for more affordable and fuel-efficient options.
The Fuel Finder scheme hoped to help cut prices by between one and six pence per litre
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PAThe long-running fuel duty freeze is due to end in September, adding another layer of concern for households already watching every penny.
Mr Williams said the Government’s aim in setting up the scheme was to help boost competition and drive down prices.
Strikingly, just 12 per cent of drivers said they have no concerns at all about the cost of running a car in the year ahead.
