Petrol thefts surge as Iran war pushes up fuel costs

Petrol thefts are up by around 62% compared to last year.

Reports of fuel thefts from petrol stations have risen in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. New data shows the number of incidents where drivers couldn’t afford to or simply chose not to pay have increased by 13% since the start of the Iran conflict.

With more than half of Chinese new car sales being electric in 2025, the nation could save US$28 billion a year in avoided oil import costs.

Petrol thefts have surged in the UK, with one retailer reporting about five drive-offs per week, costing thousands. The increase is attributed to rising fuel prices following the Iran war.

Organised gangs are increasingly stealing petrol and diesel from forecourts by filling large plastic containers hidden in vans, with the stolen fuel believed to be resold on the black market.