UK Government Launches Fuel Finder API: Real-Time Petrol Station Data for Developers

The UK government has unveiled Fuel Finder, a new service that provides real-time fuel prices and petrol station data to developers, businesses, and the public. Launched by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the platform aims to help drivers find the cheapest fuel near them while giving third-party apps and websites access to comprehensive forecourt information.

What Data is Available

Fuel Finder offers a wealth of information about petrol stations across the UK:

• Current retail prices for all fuel types at each station
• Complete forecourt details including address, operator, and brand
• Site amenities and opening hours
• Update timestamps showing when prices and site information were last modified

The service updates prices within 30 minutes of any change, ensuring users have access to current information when making decisions about where to refuel.

Access Methods

The government has made the data accessible through multiple channels to suit different user needs:

CSV Downloads

Users can download CSV files containing current prices and forecourt details, with updates published twice daily. This option works well for those who need periodic data snapshots or prefer working with spreadsheet formats.

Email Subscriptions

For users who want regular updates without manual downloads, email subscriptions are available. Subscribers receive links to the latest CSV files when they're published, making it easy to stay current with minimal effort.

REST API

Developers can integrate Fuel Finder data directly into their applications using the public API. The API follows REST principles with stable URLs and standard HTTP methods. Access requires OAuth 2.0 authentication using client credentials, and the service returns data in JSON format.

Who Can Use It

The service is open to anyone interested in fuel price data. This includes:

• Comparison websites looking to provide fuel price information
• App and website developers building location-based services
• Professional organisations in the automotive or energy sectors
• Academics conducting research on fuel pricing or consumer behavior
• Journalists reporting on energy costs and market trends
• Individual developers working on personal projects

Technical Requirements

For API access, users need:

• A GOV.UK One Login account
• Knowledge of their target geographic areas or specific forecourt requirements
• Understanding of REST API principles
• Technical capability to integrate with JSON APIs

Why This Matters

With fuel prices being a significant household expense and a frequent topic of public concern, having transparent, real-time access to pricing data empowers consumers to make informed decisions. The service also promotes competition among fuel retailers by making price information more readily available.

For developers, this represents a valuable government data source that can be integrated into navigation apps, price comparison tools, or analytics platforms. The multiple access methods ensure that users with varying technical capabilities can benefit from the data.

Getting Started

Users can begin accessing the data immediately through their preferred method. For API access, authentication setup is required, while CSV downloads and email subscriptions can be used right away.

For support or questions about the service, users can contact the Fuel Finder Team directly through the GOV.UK platform.

The launch of Fuel Finder demonstrates the UK government's commitment to data transparency and supporting innovation through open data initiatives. By making fuel price information readily accessible, the service helps consumers save money while providing developers with a rich dataset for building useful applications.