UK fuel theft surges to £194,000 daily as Iran crisis pushes prices to 160p per litre

Fuel theft from UK forecourts has reached an average of £194,000 per day since the Iran oil crisis began in late February, according to analysis by Forecourt Eye. The company, which monitors fuel theft prevention, recorded a 20% increase in incidents over the five months following the conflict’s start, compared with the preceding five months.

The surge in thefts coincides with a sharp rise in fuel prices. The average cost of a litre of petrol climbed to 160p on 29 July, up 27p since the crisis began. Diesel prices have risen even further, reaching 179p per litre, a 37p increase. These higher prices have amplified the financial impact of stolen fuel, with the value of thefts rising by 48% over the same period.

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First-time offenders drive increase

Forecourt Eye’s data, based on reports from a representative sample of 550 forecourts covering 8,359 sites nationwide, reveals that first-time offenders are driving the rise. Incidents involving first-time offenders increased by 23%, while the volume of fuel stolen by this group rose by 26%. Repeat offenders saw smaller increases of 17% and 20%, respectively.

The thefts include drive-offs, where drivers leave without attempting to pay, and incidents where customers claim they have no means of payment after filling up. The analysis highlights a shift in the profile of offenders, with rising living costs pushing more people to steal fuel who would not previously have done so.

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“When someone drives off after taking fuel worth £80-£90, it’s hitting us, not the oil companies. We’ve already purchased it.”

Ben Lawrence, director at Lawrences Garages

Retailers report rising aggression

Independent forecourt operators report increasing hostility from drivers. Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said members are facing more abuse and aggression from customers. He attributed this to frustration over fuel prices, which retailers have no control over.

Balmer said the association’s members are small businesses, not oil companies, despite often displaying branding from major energy firms. This misconception, he added, leads some drivers to believe that failing to pay for fuel does not harm the retailer. Ben Lawrence, a director at Lawrences Garages, which operates five sites in Norfolk and Hampshire, echoed this view.

Technology to combat theft

Forecourt Eye is partnering with Facewatch to provide free access to crime reporting technology for its customers. The system will allow retailers to record fuel thefts, shop crime and other incidents more easily. Users will also have the option to join Facewatch’s live facial recognition network, which alerts them to known offenders.

Michelle Henchoz, managing director of Forecourt Eye, said the partnership aims to address increasingly organised and sophisticated offending. She described the technology as a way to help operators protect both their forecourts and convenience stores. The initiative follows calls from retailers for better tools to prevent crime and support police investigations.

What happens next

Forecourt Eye’s technology partnership with Facewatch will begin rolling out to customers in the coming months. Retailers will have access to the crime reporting system at no cost, with the option to join the facial recognition network. The Petrol Retailers Association has welcomed the initiative, stating it will help members manage incidents and support law enforcement.

Fuel prices remain volatile, with no clear indication of when the Iran oil crisis will ease. Retailers continue to absorb the financial impact of thefts, while also dealing with rising aggression from drivers. The long-term effectiveness of the new technology in reducing thefts remains to be seen.