A wave of "fill up and flee" crimes is sweeping across UK petrol stations, while American drivers are waking up as the US-Israel war against Iran triggers a global surge in oil and gas prices.
According to data from the Royal Automobile Club, average petrol prices in the UK have soared to over £1.58 per litre (US$2.14), up from £1.33 before the war. Data from the crime prevention monitoring body Forecourt Eye shows that rising prices have triggered a 27% increase in fuel thefts committed by drivers leaving without paying.
An investigation conducted by the organization, based on data from approximately 500 petrol stations across England, Scotland, and Wales, found that over 6,500 litres of fuel were stolen daily in March—a 15.7% increase compared to February. The study also calculated that if these figures were extrapolated nationwide, petrol stations would lose around £1.25 million ($1.69 million) per week.
"At current fuel costs, deliberate avoidance of fuel payments results in annual losses exceeding £100 million for the industry," said Claire Nicholls, Executive Director of the British Petroleum Safety Association, urging operators to be "particularly vigilant" during peak periods.
Although U.S. authorities have not yet released comprehensive data on natural gas theft, The Washington Post has reported on such incidents, noting that thieves now use drills to bore holes into vehicle fuel tanks and siphon off the contents.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863160297913476/
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