A 62% increase in drive-offs from UK petrol stations has been reported in the last year, linked to rising fuel costs due to geopolitical factors.
Fuel Theft on the Rise
A surge in fuel theft is being reported at petrol stations across the UK, driven by dramatically increasing prices.
The number of instances of drivers leaving stations without paying for fuel has risen by 62% in the past year, according to BBC reporting on Tuesday.
Impact of Global Events on Fuel Costs
Since the start of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28th, the cost of filling a typical mid-size car has increased by £14 for petrol and £27 for diesel, according to BBC data.
Statistical Increase in Drive-Offs
In March 2025, an average of 2.1 drive-off incidents occurred per week at each petrol station. This number rose to 3.4 weekly incidents in March of this year, representing a 62% year-over-year increase, according to data from Pay My Fuel.
The average value of stolen fuel has also increased, rising from £56 last year to £70 in March of this year. Pay My Fuel assists petrol station owners in recovering losses.
Regional Disparities in Theft Rates
Pay My Fuel reports that theft rates are three to four times higher in poorer areas and neighborhoods compared to wealthier ones.
The problem is particularly noticeable in East and South-East London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
Station Owner Experiences Losses
The BBC interviewed a petrol station owner with five stations in Southern England, who showed CCTV footage of drive-offs occurring at all hours. He stated that incidents have increased from one or two per week to around five.
He estimates his weekly losses at approximately £2000.