The UK government’s new Fuel Finder scheme has come under criticism after a series of embarrassing technical errors were discovered on the platform.
The tool, designed to help drivers locate the cheapest petrol and diesel prices, has mistakenly listed more than 100 fuel stations outside the United Kingdom—with some appearing in the middle of the sea.
The scheme requires all petrol stations across the country to submit their fuel prices, with the aim of helping motorists save up to £40 a year. The data is also meant to be integrated into apps and online platforms for easier access.
However, a review of the system revealed several inaccuracies. Some stations were shown in completely wrong locations, including one in Cornwall appearing near the Belgium-Luxembourg border, while others were placed in the North Sea or even off the coast of Norway. In one case, a station in Northern Ireland was incorrectly located in Togo, West Africa.
There were also pricing errors. A few stations reportedly listed fuel at less than 2p per litre, while others showed prices as high as £15 per litre—figures far outside realistic ranges.
The errors are believed to stem from the way data is submitted by petrol station operators, raising concerns about the system’s reliability. Analysts say such inconsistencies could undermine public confidence in what is meant to be a cost-saving tool.
The issue comes at a time when fuel prices are already rising sharply, partly due to global tensions and disruptions in oil supply. Experts warn that unless the data problems are fixed quickly, the platform may fail to deliver on its promise of helping drivers make informed decisions.
Government officials say efforts are ongoing to improve data accuracy and integrate the system with platforms like Google Maps later in the year, but for now, the glitches have overshadowed the scheme’s launch.
