From supermarket fuel rewards and hidden discounts to the best free apps that reveal the cheapest petrol near you, these are the money-saving tricks every driver should know before filling up
Just when many of us thought fuel prices were finally heading in the right direction, they’re climbing once more.
Global oil prices have surged again following renewed tensions in the Middle East, and that has quickly filtered through to UK forecourts. Petrol prices have risen steadily over recent weeks, with diesel increasing even faster, leaving millions of motorists paying more every time they fill up.
While the price of oil is beyond our control, where we buy our fuel certainly isn’t.
The difference between the cheapest and most expensive petrol station in the same town can often be more than 10p per litre . For a family filling a 55-litre tank every week, that difference alone can add up to well over £250 a year .
The good news is that there are now more ways than ever to beat rising prices. From supermarket loyalty schemes to Government-backed fuel comparison tools, here’s how to keep your costs down.
1. Never buy fuel without checking these free comparison apps first
One of the biggest changes for UK drivers this year has been the launch of the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme, requiring petrol stations to report their prices electronically.
That data now powers several free websites and apps, meaning you no longer have to guess where the cheapest fuel is.
Some of the best include:
- PetrolPrices: Search your postcode to compare nearby petrol and diesel prices.
- RAC Fuel Watch: Offers local fuel comparisons alongside expert analysis of price trends.
- Fuel Spy: A simple app showing live local prices using Government data.
- DriveScore: Includes nearby fuel prices alongside driving information.
- Confused.com Fuel Finder: Lets motorists compare forecourts before travelling.
Government estimates suggest drivers who regularly compare prices rather than filling up at the nearest garage could save around £40 a year , although in many parts of the country the savings can be much higher.
2. Supermarkets are usually still the cheapest place to fill up
Supermarket forecourts continue to undercut many branded petrol stations. On average, supermarket petrol can be around 5p per litre cheaper than premium forecourts.
That works out at roughly £2.75 every time you fill a 55-litre tank. Across a year, regular motorists could easily save well over £100 simply by switching where they buy fuel.
Don’t assume every supermarket is cheapest though, prices still vary from branch to branch, which is why comparison apps are so useful.
3. Don’t miss Asda’s new fuel reward
One of the strongest supermarket promotions currently available comes from Asda Rewards .
Customers spending £40 or more in participating stores can unlock a 5p per litre fuel voucher through the Asda Rewards app.
For someone filling a 60-litre tank, that’s worth up to £3 off on top of Asda’s already competitive pricing.
4. Your supermarket loyalty card could still be saving you money
Even if your supermarket isn’t directly discounting fuel, it’s still worth scanning your loyalty card. Schemes including:
- Tesco Clubcard
- Nectar
- Morrisons More
regularly offer bonus points promotions that can reduce the cost of future shopping, effectively putting money back in your pocket.
Always check your app before heading to the checkout, you may have personalised offers waiting.
5. Never fill up at motorway services unless you absolutely have to
Motorway service stations remain among the most expensive places in Britain to buy fuel.
Prices can be significantly higher than supermarkets or independent garages located just a few minutes from the motorway.
If you’re planning a longer journey, filling up before you leave home or making a short detour, can save surprisingly large amounts.
6. Independent garages aren’t always more expensive
Many motorists assume supermarket fuel is automatically the cheapest. That’s no longer always true.
Independent filling stations, particularly where there is strong local competition, regularly beat the larger chains. Again, comparison apps take the guesswork out of finding them.
7. Don’t wait until the warning light comes on
When you’re running on fumes you’re far more likely to pay whatever the nearest forecourt is charging.
Instead, make checking fuel prices part of your weekly routine and top up when you’re passing one of the cheaper stations.
A little planning can save far more than most people realise.
8. Ease off the accelerator
The cheapest litre of petrol is the one you never use. Driving smoothly, accelerating gently and avoiding heavy braking all improve fuel economy.
Even reducing your motorway speed slightly can make a noticeable difference over longer journeys.
9. Check your tyre pressures
It’s one of the quickest jobs on this list and one of the most overlooked. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder and burns more fuel.
Checking your tyres once a month could improve efficiency while also helping them last longer.
10. Empty the boot
That forgotten toolbox. The old pushchair. Sports kit you haven’t touched for months. Extra weight means extra fuel consumption.
Removing unnecessary clutter is an easy way to improve efficiency, especially if you mainly drive around town.
Roof boxes and roof bars should also come off when you’re not using them, as they increase drag.
11. Premium fuel isn’t always worth paying for
Unless your vehicle manufacturer specifically recommends premium petrol or diesel, most drivers won’t save enough fuel to justify the higher pump price.
For the vast majority of family cars, standard unleaded remains the most cost-effective choice.
12. Small savings soon become big ones
Many of these tips might only save a couple of pounds each time. But together they quickly add up.
Using cheaper forecourts, taking advantage of supermarket offers, driving more efficiently and avoiding expensive motorway services could realistically leave frequent drivers hundreds of pounds better off over the course of a year .
With fuel prices heading upwards again, there’s never been a better time to change a few simple habits.
Vicky Parry’s money-saving tip
Fuel prices are frustrating because they’re largely outside our control, but where we choose to buy fuel isn’t.
Checking a comparison app before filling up has become as normal as comparing insurance or energy prices. Spending just a minute finding the cheapest forecourt nearby could save enough over a year to pay for a family day out, a big food shop or several tanks of petrol.
As prices continue to rise, every penny really does count.
