Fuel thefts at gas stations in Britain have increased amid the war with Iran
In the United Kingdom, there has been a sharp increase in the number of cases of fuel theft at gas stations. The rise began after tensions escalated in the Middle East, leading to higher energy prices.
According to industry analysis, drivers in the United Kingdom drive away from gas stations without paying for approximately 194,000 pounds worth of fuel every day.
The number of such incidents has risen by about 20% in recent months. At the same time, since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, the value of stolen fuel has increased by 48% compared to the previous five-month period.
The physical volume of unpaid fuel has also increased. Whereas it previously amounted to approximately 87,000 liters per day, this figure has now reached 108,900 liters, representing an increase of approximately 24%.
The study was based on data from 550 gas stations, after which the results were extrapolated to all 8,359 gas stations in the United Kingdom.
Since the start of the war, the number of instances where drivers leave gas stations without paying has risen from approximately 2,400 to 2,872 incidents per day nationwide.
These statistics include both intentional fuel theft and instances where drivers claim they are unable to pay after refueling.
Industry representatives are also noting an increase in conflicts between customers and gas station employees. According to Forecourt Eye, gas station employees are increasingly facing “abuse, intimidation, and violence” from dissatisfied customers.
One owner of a small chain of six gas stations told the BBC that his company had installed a large number of surveillance cameras, but this has not deterred offenders.
“We have more surveillance cameras per square foot than Birmingham Airport, but it doesn’t help because people don’t care,” he said.
According to the business owner, fuel theft has become a nearly daily problem. Some offenders fill not only their cars but also extra jerry cans.
The gas station owner noted that in the past fiscal year alone, he lost about 40,000 pounds due to unpaid fuel. This year, he expects even greater losses due to further price increases.
Thus, rising fuel prices are increasing financial pressure not only on British drivers but also on gas station owners, who are forced to contend with a growing number of unpaid refuelings.
This was reported by the BBC.
As of August 6, 2026, the largest gas station chains in Ukraine have updated their fuel prices. The average price of A-95 gasoline is about 81.67 UAH per liter, and diesel fuel is 91.56 UAH per liter. The highest prices are currently being recorded at OKKO, WOG, and Socar stations.
