Fuel Theft Surges 62% Amid Rising Prices and Retailer Concerns
Retailers report increased losses and staff abuse as fuel costs climb following US-Israel conflict with Iran
Fuel theft has surged by 62% over the past year, according to new figures compiled for the BBC, with petrol retailers warning of growing financial losses and increased abuse of staff.
Data from Pay My Fuel shows that the average number of drive-offs per forecourt each week rose from 2.1 in March 2025 to 3.4 in March 2026. The company also reported a 46% increase in the average value of stolen fuel over the same period.
The spike in theft comes as fuel prices continue to rise, driven in part by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Since the conflict began, the cost of filling a typical petrol car has increased by £14, while diesel has risen by about £27 per tank.
Retailers say the situation is putting significant strain on businesses. One forecourt owner in southern England reported losses of up to £2,000 per week across five stations, with incidents of drive-offs occurring multiple times daily.
“There just seems to be a sort of public acceptance now that theft is okay,” the retailer said, adding that while some cases may be linked to financial hardship, many appear organised and deliberate.
According to Ian Wolfenden, the problem is worsening, particularly in less affluent areas such as parts of London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
Industry leaders have also linked the increase in theft to the rising cost of living. Gordon Balmer of the Petrol Retailers Association said higher fuel prices have contributed to both theft and a rise in customer frustration.
Meanwhile, police say they are taking a proactive approach. Lisa Maslen noted that fuel theft places a significant burden on retailers and law enforcement, with efforts underway to identify repeat offenders and strengthen collaboration with businesses.
The UK government has condemned the trend, warning that offenders will face strict penalties and urging the public to report incidents.
Retailers have also raised concerns about increasing verbal abuse toward staff, partly fuelled by public perceptions of price gouging. However, industry representatives stress that profit margins remain slim, with taxes accounting for more than half of fuel prices.
Despite a slight drop in prices over the weekend, fuel costs remain significantly higher than pre-conflict levels, leaving both consumers and businesses under continued pressure.
