Fuel theft at UK petrol stations has risen significantly since the onset of the conflict involving Iran, with drivers allegedly stealing nearly £200,000 worth of fuel daily, according to recent analysis.

The increase follows the outbreak of the Iran oil crisis on February 28. Data compiled by Forecourt Eye, a company specialising in preventing fuel theft, indicates that incidents of unpaid fuel withdrawals at forecourts jumped by 20 percent in the five months following the crisis compared to the preceding five months. This surge coincided with higher pump prices driven by the regional tensions and disruptions in oil supply.

As a result of elevated fuel prices, the total value of stolen fuel climbed by 48 percent during the same timeframe, reaching an estimated £194,000 per day across the UK’s 8,359 petrol stations. The rise in both the frequency and monetary scale of these thefts reflects broader market volatility stemming from the ongoing geopolitical turmoil.

Fuel theft has long been a concern for forecourt retailers and law enforcement due to its financial impact and the operational challenges it poses. The recent escalation underscores how international events can influence domestic crime patterns, particularly in sectors sensitive to global oil market fluctuations.

Authorities and industry stakeholders have reiterated the importance of enhanced security measures at forecourts to deter fuel theft, including improved surveillance and payment verification technologies. However, the combination of high prices and economic pressures on drivers may complicate efforts to curb these incidents in the near term.