The data downside of fuel discount schemes

Z Energy says seven of every 10 fuel purchases use a supermarket discount voucher or loyalty card. It’s not the only one – you can also get cheaper petrol and diesel by flashing the right card at BP, Caltex and Mobil.

But what are you giving up to save a few cents on a litre of fuel? We investigated the major discount schemes to find out.

What we found

• There are plenty of loyalty schemes promising cheaper fuel, but many of them collect more of your data than you might realise.
• Discounting distorts price competition, making it harder to see who has cheaper fuel. A discounted price isn't always the cheapest price.
• The Gaspy app gives customers power to choose the cheapest fuel - use it!
• We think it'd be fairer for consumers without all the complicated discounts and loyalty schemes. Plus, you'd get to keep your personal data.