An estimated average of close to £200,000 worth of fuel has been stolen from gas stations daily since the onset of the Iran oil crisis. According to fuel theft prevention company Forecourt Eye, theft incidents surged by 20% in the five months following the conflict’s commencement on February 28, compared to the previous five months.

The escalation in fuel prices due to the war resulted in a 48% increase in the value of stolen fuel during that period, amounting to a daily average of around £194,000 across 8,359 forecourts. First-time offenders experienced a 23% rise in theft incidents and a 26% increase in the volume of stolen fuel, while repeat offenders saw a 17% and 20% increase, respectively.

These statistics are based on information from a sample of 550 gas stations, encompassing drive-offs where payment is not made and incidents where customers claim they cannot pay. The average price of petrol reached 160p per liter, a 27p surge from pre-conflict levels and a three-and-a-half-year peak. Diesel prices also rose, standing at 179p per liter, approximately 37p higher than before the war.

Forecourt Eye is providing complimentary access to crime reporting technology to help customers document fuel thefts and other illegal activities. Users may also opt into a live facial recognition network by Facewatch to identify known offenders. Michelle Henchoz, the managing director of Forecourt Eye, emphasized the importance of advanced technology to safeguard gas stations and convenience stores against increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.

Gordon Balmer, the executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, expressed concern over rising levels of abuse towards gas station staff, highlighting the need for technology that aids in crime prevention and incident management to support police investigations within the industry.

Ben Lawrence, a director at Lawrences Garages, noted that fuel thefts, previously linked to other criminal activities, are now influenced by rising living costs. He debunked the misconception that branded gas stations are all operated by major energy companies, stressing that non-payment by customers directly impacts independent businesses like his own.

Lawrence emphasized the financial impact on gas station owners when fuel is stolen, emphasizing that the cost is borne by small businesses rather than larger corporations. He highlighted the significance of addressing these thefts to protect independent gas stations from financial losses.