Fuel Thefts Surge 62% in March, Retailers Report £2,000 Weekly Losses
New figures reveal a substantial increase in fuel thefts across the United Kingdom, with ‘drive-offs’ rising by 62% in March compared to the same period last year. This surge coincides with escalating fuel costs attributed to the US-Israel war with Iran, which commenced on 28 February following wide-ranging strikes on Iran that killed its Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians, including 110 children at an Iranian primary school.
Retailers are reporting significant financial losses, with one forecourt owner estimating weekly thefts costing his five sites approximately GBP#2,000. Data compiled by Pay My Fuel, a company specialising in fuel theft recovery, indicates that the average forecourt now experiences 3.4 drive-offs per week, up from 2.1 in March 2025. The average value of each theft has also climbed by 46%, from GBP#56 to GBP#67.
Organised Crime and Public Acceptance Cited
Josh, a retailer operating five garages in southern England, described experiencing around five drive-offs weekly at each site, a marked increase from one or two previously. CCTV footage reveals incidents occurring throughout the day, ranging from a motorbike taking GBP#14.97 of fuel to a white van absconding with GBP#151.53, and a Porsche SUV driving off after filling up with GBP#75.15.
While some thefts may be attributed to desperation, Josh asserted that the majority constitute "pure theft," suggesting a concerning "public acceptance now that theft is okay." Ian Wolfenden, director of Pay My Fuel, corroborated the severity, noting that the problem is three to four times worse in less affluent areas, specifically citing east and south-east London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
Staff Face Abuse Amid Price Increases
Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), confirmed a "noticeable increase" in fuel theft since the war began. He acknowledged instances of organised crime but also noted cases where individuals claimed to have forgotten their wallets, potentially linked to the broader cost of living crisis.
The price of filling a typical family car has increased by GBP#14 for petrol and approximately GBP#27 for diesel since the conflict started. Although fuel prices saw a minor reduction over the weekend, petrol remains 19.2% higher and diesel 34.5% above pre-war levels. These increases have led to heightened abuse directed at forecourt staff, exacerbated by government accusations of price gouging. The government has stated that fuel thieves "must face the full force of the law" and urged the public to report such crimes.
