UK Fuel Theft Hits £194,000 a Day as Iran War Drives 20% Rise in Incidents
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 3
UK Fuel Theft Hits £194,000 a Day as Iran War Drives 20% Rise in Incidents
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 3
Summary
Forecourt Eye estimates UK petrol stations have lost £194,000 of fuel a day on average since the Iran war began, with 2,872 daily theft incidents across the country.
The surge followed higher pump prices after Middle East supply disruption: stolen fuel volume rose 24% to 108,900 litres a day, while the value taken jumped 48% from the previous five months.
550 forecourts in the sample also reported more abuse, intimidation and violence from customers, and Forecourt Eye plans to give more than 2,000 retailers free crime-reporting technology from autumn through a Facewatch partnership.
Fuel prices peaked in April, eased after a June US-Iran framework deal, then climbed again after peace talks collapsed; last week petrol hit its highest level since 2022.
The theft data lands amid a political row over pump pricing: John Healey has vowed to watch for gouging, while the CMA says it found no widespread evidence but is probing margin increases at five retailers.