Motorists across Australia can now pay for their petrol without leaving their car, thanks to a new smartphone app.

The app is now working at more than 500 BP service stations nationally and also helps users find their nearest servo.

The technology was designed to give people more time in their day, one of BP’s general managers, Adam Arnold, says.

“Offering faster and simpler ways to complete retail transactions is one way we can make the lives of our customers just that little bit easier,” he said in a statement.

The app has been tested by a group of BP’s business customers since August 2016 and will be expanded early next year.

The rollout comes as Australia’s competition watchdog is due to announce its decision on Wednesday on BP’s $1.8 billion acquisition of more than 500 service stations owned by Woolworths.

In August, the ACCC said it was concerned motorists could end up paying more for fuel if the takeover went ahead.

Woolworths agreed in December 2016 to sell its 527 petrol stations and 16 development sites to BP, which already owns 350 retail sites in Australia and supplies a further 1,050 BP-branded sites.

In late November, the watchdog announced it had delayed its decision on BP’s proposed acquisition.

The expected new decision date is 14 December 2017.

“This is a significant decision for the retail petrol market in Australia. The extension to the consideration period will allow the ACCC to consider further information from the parties,” Sims said.

“This potential transaction involves complex, extensive data analysis of fuel prices across all fuel sites in Australia over a number of years, and it’s vital we take the time to thoroughly assess its likely impact.”

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.