UK Petrol Thefts Rise 62% Amid Fuel Price Increases from Iran Conflict

Petrol thefts in the UK have surged by 62% compared to a year ago, based on data from fuel theft recovery company Pay My Fuel compiled for the BBC. The average number of drive-offs per forecourt per week rose from 2.1 in March 2025 to 3.4 in March 2026.

The average value of each drive-off increased by 46%, from £56 to £67. Fuel retailers have also reported increased abuse toward staff due to high fuel prices stemming from the US-Israel war with Iran. Since the conflict began, the cost to fill a typical family car with petrol has risen by £14, and diesel by £27.

The RAC reported that petrol prices remain 19.2% higher than pre-war levels, with diesel 34.5% higher.

Josh, a petrol retailer operating five garages in southern England, reported experiencing about five drive-offs per week at each site, up from one or two previously. He shared CCTV footage showing incidents including a motorbike with two people fueling £14.97 and leaving, a white van taking £151.53, and a white Porsche SUV with £75.15.

Josh stated that most incidents involve organized theft rather than desperation, estimating a weekly cost of £2,000 across his sites. Rachael King, forecourt manager for three petrol stations in Gloucestershire, said drive-offs have increased and could lead to higher fuel prices to offset losses.

She noted that independent operators cannot absorb these costs. King added that continued thefts would force retailers to maintain elevated prices to cushion financial impacts.

Ian Wolfenden, director of Pay My Fuel, said the issue is three to four times worse in less affluent areas such as east and southeast London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham. The company operates systems across 1,400 forecourts to recover stolen funds.

Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, stated that the price increases have led to more fuel theft, including organized crime and cases where people claim to have forgotten payment methods. He mentioned that accusations of price gouging have contributed to staff abuse, with retailers operating on slim margins as 55% of pump prices consist of tax.

Superintendent Lisa Maslen, head of the National Business Crime Centre, said fuel theft strains retailers financially and demands policing resources. Police are collaborating with retailers and recovery agencies to identify patterns and target repeat offenders.

A government spokesperson stated that fuel theft undermines businesses and urged reporting incidents to police.