Fuel stations face enormous fines under new laws designed to protect petrol and diesel drivers

Petrol stations across the UK could soon face massive fines for failing to inform drivers about their fuel prices.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed that, as of May 1, it would be able to use enforcement powers against petrol stations that do not update the Fuel Finder service.

Labour launched Fuel Finder in February in a bid to improve transparency for drivers and increase competition between retailers to ensure they provide fair prices for motorists.

The rollout of the scheme has coincided with fuel prices soaring to their highest level in more than three years following the Iran war and spike in oil prices.

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Data from the RAC shows that petrol drivers are currently paying 156.98p per litre, while diesel motorists are forking out 188.53p per litre.

In its latest fuel monitoring report, the CMA said it was now able to use enforcement powers against "non-compliance relating to Fuel Finder".

It stated that this would take place if it received information that indicates formal action may be appropriate, which can lead to massive consequences for businesses.

Under the Motor Fuel Price (Open Data) Regulations 2025, the CMA can impose administrative penalties on motor fuel traders after it was handed greater powers.

Forecourts which fail to adhere to the terms of the Fuel Finder scheme can face a fixed penalty amount up to one per cent of worldwide turnover, or a daily rate of up to five per cent of daily worldwide turnover.

The CMA said it was more likely to impose a penalty where it considers one or more factors, including:

• The breach risked having an adverse impact on a CMA investigation or consumers
• The motor fuel trader previously failed to comply with a requirement
• The breach is ongoing, and the penalty is designed to encourage swift compliance
• The business obtained an advantage from the failure to comply with a requirement

Motor fuel traders are required to be registered with Fuel Finder and submit fuel price updates to the scheme within 30 minutes of any price change.

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Businesses must also update forecourt information, like amenities and facilities, and organisational details, such as opening hours, within three days of any change.

The latest Fuel Finder release shows that some motor fuel traders have yet to adhere to the full scope of the process, with out-of-date fuel prices, no information on trading hours and even incorrect prices.

The CMA stated: "Fuel is an essential purchase. It is vital that people and businesses across the country can see and act upon transparent and timely price information, and that competition works to contain price rises.

"The impact of the conflict in the Middle East makes it more important than ever to ensure the market is working well for consumers."

Most expensive petrol prices

Spar Lapford Cross, Crediton, Devon (EX17 6QT) - 193.9p

EG Rivington North PFS, Bolton, Greater Manchester (BL6 5UZ) - 186.9p

Lochaline Filling Station, Morvern, West Highlands (PA80 5AD) - 184p

Hilton Park South Service Area, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire (WV11 2AT) - 180.9p

Ferrybridge Service Area, Knottingly, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) - 180.9p

Most expensive diesel prices

Cluanie Inn Hotel, Inverness, Highlands (IV63 7YW) - 211.64p

Hilton Park South Service Area, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire (WV11 2AT) - 204.9p

Ferrybridge Service Area, Knottingly, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) - 204.9p

Leigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) - 204.9p

Severn View Service Area, Bristol, Gloucestershire (BS35 4BH) - 204.9p

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