The Fuel Finder app is a great sign of how slow government moves on the simplest things.
We're 1,193 days on since Jeremy Hunt said the government was "taking swift steps following the CMA’s recommendations".
A timeline:
⏳3 July 2023 - CMA publishes review calling for an app to give live prices. Sunak govt agrees to implement it as "the latest step in the government’s action to ease the cost of living".
⏳16 Jan 2024 - DESNZ launches 8 week consultation.
⏳May 2024 - Legislation needed to force data sharing falls when election called.
⏳30 Oct 2024 - Govt publishes outcome of the Jan consulation and aims to launch "by the end of 2025".
⏳19 June 2025 - Data (Use and Access) Bill gets royal assent.
⏳17 Dec 2025 - Motor Fuel Price (Open Data) Regulations 2025 laid before Parliament.
⏳2 Feb 2026 - Petrol stations legally required to report their fuel prices.
⏳8 Oct 2026 - Burnham announces the data is available through Google Maps to help with the cost of living.
I know people are worried about fuel prices. And I get it. You get to the pump, watch the numbers climb, and wonder why it's costing so much more than it used to.
The reality is that global events are pushing up costs, and families here at home are feeling the impact.
But I won't accept that there's nothing I can do to help.
That's why from today, you'll be able to see petrol and diesel prices on Google Maps, compare nearby stations and find the cheapest option before you fill up.
It's a small change, but if there's a practical way to help people keep more money in their pocket, I'll do it.