Fuel theft at petrol stations across the UK has risen sharply amid escalating prices linked to the ongoing oil crisis in Iran, according to recent data from Forecourt Eye, a company specializing in theft prevention at service stations. Since the conflict began on February 28, fuel theft incidents have increased by 20% compared with the previous five months, resulting in a significant rise in daily stolen fuel value.

Forecourt Eye reported that the average daily value of stolen fuel reached approximately £194,000 during the five months following the onset of the Iran oil crisis, representing a 48% increase. This figure is based on data collected from a sample of 550 petrol stations among more than 8,300 forecourts nationwide. The data includes instances of "drive-offs," where customers leave without paying, as well as cases where customers fill their tanks but later claim an inability to pay.

Both first-time and repeat offenders saw increases in fuel theft. The number of incidents involving first-time offenders rose by 23%, with a 26% increase in the volume of fuel stolen. Repeat offenders accounted for a 17% rise in incidents and a 20% increase in volume stolen.

The surge in fuel theft corresponds with a notable rise in fuel prices. As of the latest figures, the average price of petrol reached 160 pence per litre, a 27 pence increase compared to prices before the conflict began, marking the highest level in three and a half years. Diesel prices saw an even steeper increase, averaging 179 pence per litre—37 pence higher than before the crisis.

In response to the rise in theft and related criminal activity, Forecourt Eye has begun offering free access to crime reporting technology to its clients. The system is designed to assist forecourt operators in documenting incidents more effectively, covering fuel theft, retail crime, and other illegal activities. This enhanced reporting capability is intended to support retailers in managing crime and collaborating with law enforcement.

Gordon Balmer of the Petrol Retailers Association, representing independent petrol stations, highlighted growing concerns among staff regarding customer behavior. “Members are reporting increasing levels of abuse and aggression towards colleagues who have no influence over the price on the forecourt,” he said. He added that adopting technological tools to prevent crime, manage incidents, and aid police investigations represents a positive development for the industry amid challenging market conditions.