Fuel theft at UK petrol stations has increased by 62% compared to a year ago, with forecourt owners reporting significant financial losses and a rise in abuse towards staff.
The Scale of the Problem
Data from fuel theft recovery company Pay My Fuel shows the average number of drive-offs per forecourt has risen from 2.1 per week in March 2025 to 3.4 per week in March 2026.
The average value of each theft has also increased by 46% over the same period, rising from £56 to £67 per incident. For a typical forecourt, this means losing nearly £70 every two days to fuel theft alone.
Some forecourt owners report experiencing up to five drive-offs per week at each of their sites, compared to just one or two previously.
Why Theft Has Increased
The surge in fuel theft coincides with the sharp rise in pump prices since the Middle East conflict began in late February. The cost of filling a typical family car with petrol has risen by £14, while a tank of diesel has increased by approximately £27.
Industry figures suggest some theft is organised and pre-planned, while other incidents involve people claiming to have forgotten their wallet or purse – potentially linked to cost of living pressures.
The problem is reported to be three to four times worse in less affluent areas, with east and south-east London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham identified as particular hotspots.
Impact on Forecourts
Independent petrol station operators say they cannot absorb the losses from increased theft. Some warn that persistent drive-offs may force them to keep prices slightly higher to cushion the financial impact.
Forecourt staff have also faced increased abuse from customers angry about high fuel prices. Staff report being called thieves and shouted at – behaviour that industry representatives say has been fuelled by government accusations of price gouging and profiteering.
Retailers point out that more than half (55%) of the pump price is tax, and that their actual profit margins on fuel are slim.
Police Response
Police say they are taking a proactive approach to tackling fuel theft, working to identify offenders and disrupt repeat behaviour. Forces are boosting collaboration with fuel retailers and cost recovery agencies to identify patterns and target repeat offenders.
The government has stated that fuel thieves must face the full force of the law, and urged anyone witnessing such crimes to report them to police.
What This Means for Drivers
While the overwhelming majority of drivers pay for their fuel, the increase in theft creates additional costs that may ultimately be passed on to all customers through slightly higher prices.
With fuel already at record highs – petrol at 157.62p and diesel at 191.24p per litre – any additional upward pressure on prices adds to the burden on motorists.
Shopping around for the best prices remains essential. Use CheckFuelPrices to compare prices at stations near you and ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.