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UK drivers accused of fuel theft as Middle East war lifts pump prices
Fuel theft in the UK has cost the equivalent of nearly $270,000 per day since late February, Forecourt Eye data cited by the BBC shows.
Drivers in the United Kingdom have reportedly begun stealing fuel or leaving without paying as driving costs rise amid a fuel supply crunch linked to the war in the Middle East, according to OilPrice citing reporting from the BBC.
Forecourt Eye data cited in the piece shows fuel theft in the country has been equivalent to almost $270,000 per day since the US and Israel Iran war began at the end of February. The outlet also says the frequency of fuel theft rose 24% since then, while the theft value rose 48% versus the five months before the war began, reflecting higher crude oil prices.
The article links the surge to higher pump prices, noting gasoline at 1.5997 pounds per liter, or about $2.15, and diesel at 1.7897 pounds per liter, or about $2.41. It adds that diesel is closing in on 2022 highs.
To counter the thefts, Forecourt Eye said it will partner with a facial recognition company to give fuel retailers access to information about fuel thieves, with the service planned to roll out from this autumn.
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