Andy Burnham (Image: Getty)

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has faced a backlash after suggesting motorists use Google Maps to find cheaper petrol, as fuel prices soar amid the ongoing war in Iran. In an X post on Thursday, October 8, Burnham acknowledged the pressure on households, saying global events were driving up costs. He went on to promote a new feature allowing drivers to compare prices at nearby petrol stations, describing it as a practical way to save money.

Powered by the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme, the initiative is expected to save motorists around £40 annually. The announcement drew sarcastic responses. “What’s next? A weather app for pensioners who can’t afford heating?” one user asked.

Another wrote: “Here was me thinking we needed cheaper fuel, but turns out all we needed was Google Maps to tell us exactly where we’re getting robbed the least.” Some defended Burnham, with one commenting: “This sounds quite helpful tbf. He can’t magic the price down.” Several commenters, however, blamed government taxes.

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Unlike global oil prices, fuel taxation is within the government’s control. At £2 per litre, fuel duty and VAT total approximately 86p, representing 43% of the price.

The previous Starmer government extended a temporary 5p fuel duty cut until December 2026. In September, Burnham said that “every possible measure is being considered to ease driving costs”.

I know people are worried about fuel prices. And I get it. You get to the pump, watch the numbers climb, and wonder why it’s costing so much more than it used to. The reality is that global events are pushing up costs, and families here at home are feeling the impact. But I won’t accept that there’s nothing I can do to help. That’s why from today, you’ll be able to see petrol and diesel prices on Google Maps, compare nearby stations and find the cheapest option before you fill up. It’s a small change, but if there’s a practical way to help people keep more money in their pocket, I’ll do it.

— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) October 8, 2026

His Government officially removed the 5% VAT on household electricity bills, reducing it to 0%. Burnham funded this £850 million tax cut by cancelling the previous Government’s £1.8 billion Digital ID programme