Why It Pays to Be Picky at the Pump

Fuel prices seem to change overnight; one station charges a fortune, another a few pence less round the corner. Over a year, those small differences really add up. Finding cheaper petrol or diesel isn’t about chasing every penny; it’s about being smart with where and when you fill up.

The trick is to build a few habits that make saving on fuel effortless rather than a daily chore.

1. Use Price Comparison Apps

The easiest way to spot cheap fuel nearby is through apps that track live pump prices. Tools like PetrolPrices.com and MotorMouth let you compare stations in your area by price and distance. Many supermarkets also display their current rates online.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll get updates when nearby stations change prices; handy if you’re topping up regularly or commuting the same route each week.

2. Time Your Fill-Ups Wisely

Fuel prices often fluctuate through the week. Studies suggest Tuesday or Wednesday mornings tend to be cheapest, while weekends and bank holidays bring small increases. The logic’s simple: more people travel at weekends, and stations know it.

If you can, fill up midweek rather than on your way to a Sunday outing. You’ll avoid queues and usually pay a little less.

3. Don’t Assume the Nearest Is the Cheapest

Convenience can be costly. Motorway services and city-centre stations are almost always more expensive. If you can plan ahead, fill up a few miles before joining the motorway or after leaving it; the difference can be 10p a litre or more. Over a full tank, that’s several pounds saved for an extra five minutes of effort.

Similarly, smaller independent garages sometimes undercut big names to attract regulars. It’s worth a glance when you drive past.

4. Make Use of Loyalty Schemes

Most fuel retailers now offer points or cashback schemes; BPme, Tesco Clubcard, Nectar at Esso, and Shell Go+ to name a few. They won’t make fuel cheap overnight, but the rewards build up over time. Combine them with supermarket vouchers or cashback credit cards and the savings start to feel real.

Just don’t let points lure you into paying a higher price per litre. The cheapest station is still the one charging less at the pump.

5. Drive a Bit Smarter

Sometimes the cheapest fuel is the fuel you don’t burn. A few driving tweaks can stretch every litre further:

• Accelerate gently and anticipate traffic instead of braking hard.
• Keep tyres at the right pressure; underinflation wastes fuel.
• Empty heavy clutter from the boot and remove roof racks when not in use.
• Stick to the speed limit; driving at 70 mph instead of 60 can use 10–15% more fuel.

Even the best app can’t compete with better driving habits.

6. Check Supermarket vs Branded Stations

Supermarkets often sell cheaper fuel thanks to higher volume and lower margins. For most modern cars, there’s little difference in performance between standard supermarket fuel and branded equivalents. However, high-performance or older engines may benefit from premium fuel occasionally to keep injectors clean.

If you’re unsure, check your car’s manual; but for everyday driving, standard unleaded or diesel is perfectly fine and usually cheaper.

7. Watch Local News and Community Pages

Many local Facebook groups or community forums post daily updates on fuel prices. It’s old-fashioned crowd-sourcing, but it works; especially when stations start price wars. A quick check before heading out could save you a round or two at the café later in the week.

8. Keep an Eye on Your Consumption

Modern cars often show your average miles per gallon (MPG) on the dashboard. Reset the counter after each fill-up and keep track. If the figure suddenly drops, it might be time to check tyre pressure, oil, or your driving style. The cheapest litre is the one that takes you furthest.

Useful UK Resources

• PetrolPrices – Compare Local Pump Prices
• MotorMouth – UK Fuel Price Finder
• RAC – Fuel Saving Tips