The cheapest fuel is not always the best stop
When drivers search for “cheapest fuel along my route”, the useful answer is not just the lowest price per litre. A station can be cheap and still be the wrong choice if it adds a slow loop, a difficult junction or enough extra miles to erase the saving.
The better question is: which fuel stop still saves money on the journey you are already making?
What to compare before turning off
- Pump price: the latest published price per litre for your fuel type.
- Route fit: whether the station is on the route, near the route or in the wrong direction.
- Extra fuel used: the cost of the extra driving needed to reach the stop.
- Your MPG: a thirsty car can wipe out a small price gap faster than an efficient one.
- Practical stop value: toilets, shop, air, water, opening status and motorway access can matter on longer trips.
Why Google Maps directions matter
A fuel-price result only becomes useful when it is easy to act on. Route & Fuel is designed to help drivers pick the station that makes sense, then open the selected stop in Google Maps when it has a usable station location.
Where live traffic fits
Live traffic should not be turned into a confusing “time cost” for every driver. Instead, the app can show traffic-aware detour time separately while the estimated saving focuses on pump-price saving minus extra fuel used.
Bottom line
The best fuel stop along your route is the one where the pump price, detour, MPG and practical stop details still leave you better off.