FUEL THEFT FROM UK PETROL STATIONS RISES SHARPLY SINCE IRAN CONFLICT

UK drivers have stolen an estimated £194,000 of fuel from petrol stations on average each day over the five months since 28 February, according to analysis by Forecourt Eye, a fuel theft prevention company. The value of stolen fuel rose by 48% compared with the five months prior to that date, the company reported. Incidents of fuel being taken without payment increased by approximately one-fifth over the same period, with recorded figures suggesting an average of 2,872 daily incidents across UK forecourts, up from around 2,400.

Forecourt Eye's analysis drew on data from a representative sample of 550 forecourts, which was extrapolated across the UK's 8,359 forecourts. The volume of fuel stolen rose from an estimated 87,000 litres per day to 108,900 litres per day. Incidents included drivers departing without attempting payment and customers claiming inability to pay after filling their vehicles. Petrol station staff reported increased abuse, intimidation and violence from customers during the period.

The disruption to oil supplies in the Middle East following the outbreak of conflict sent wholesale prices higher, raising costs at UK fuel pumps. Petrol prices peaked in April, fell after a framework agreement between the US and Iran in June, but have since risen again following the collapse of peace talks. Forecourt Eye announced it would partner with facial recognition technology company Facewatch to offer more than 2,000 retailers free access to crime reporting technology from autumn. The company also reported a similar rise in fuel thefts following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in early 2022.