Petrol thefts surge as Iran war pushes up fuel costs
Petrol thefts are up by around 62% compared to last year.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"While we recognise the financial pressures many households are facing, this behaviour is having a direct and immediate impact on forecourt operators."
— Gordon Balmer , Executive
"The most alarming aspect is the method being used, with fuel being stored in plastic containers or improvised tanks inside vehicles, which is extremely dangerous."
— Michelle Henchoz , Executive
"Drivers understand retailers have had no option but to put prices up due to the cost of oil being so much higher, and they're also suffering with fuel theft as widely reported this week."
— Simon Williams , Executive
"Electric vehicles are increasingly cost-competitive with petrol cars. Oil volatility means EVs are a common-sense choice for countries wishing to insulate themselves from future shocks."
— Daan Walter , Executive
Key People
Daan Walter is a principal at Ember, providing insights on electric vehicles and their economic impact.
Gordon Balmer is the director of the Petrol Retailers Association.
Managing director of Forecourt Eye.
Head of policy at the RAC.
Tags
All Coverage
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.
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