Experts are warning that fuel thefts are becoming more common as some drivers look to avoid expensive petrol and diesel prices at the pumps.
Fresh data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that costs continue to soar as the conflict in the Middle East rages on, despite hopes that Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The price of petrol has jumped from 132p per litre on February 28 to 158p on April 9, with drivers paying over 25p more per litre every time they fill up compared to the start of the conflict.
Diesel motorists are facing even greater price hikes, with a litre of fuel costing almost 50p more since the end of February, as prices jump 34.2 per cent.
While there is optimism around the supply of fuel and oil to the UK after the Strait of Hormuz was reopened, experts have warned that this could take longer to materialise.
As motorists struggle to deal with the high costs, experts are warning that a minority of drivers are taking criminal actions and avoiding paying for their fuel.
Research from surveillance firm Forecourt Eye shows that petrol stations across the country are reporting a surge in cases of No Means of Payment (NMoP) incidents, where they tell cashiers they cannot pay.
One expert, Michelle Henchoz, director of Forecourt Eye, stated that NMoPs are treated as a civil matter by courts, while driving off is deemed a criminal offence.
Experts have warned that cases of fuel theft have soared as drivers struggle to deal with petrol and diesel prices
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She said: “They think the police are not going to go after them. But when you get a repeat offender that keeps doing it, that becomes fraud, so it does become a criminal matter,” The Mirror reported.
Since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, the total daily value of fuel stolen has jumped by 28 per cent.
Fleets have also issued warnings to drivers, with some businesses reporting that criminals could target professional motorists.
Barrie Wilson, strategic relationship manager at FleetCheck, explained that fuel crime falls into two categories, namely fraud committed by employees and theft from parked company vehicles.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, especially for oil exports | GETTY
He said: “These require very different solutions but both can be expected to potentially increase following the quite dramatic price rises we have seen recently.
“The danger here is that employees either purchase additional fuel or syphon it from their company vehicles.
“To detect this, it is essential that distances covered and miles per gallon are accurately recorded and assessed – something that can be done easily using fleet software. Any sudden drop in fuel economy can be a cause for suspicion.”
GB News has rounded up the most expensive petrol and diesel prices found across the UK using data from the Government’s Fuel Finder tool.
Petrol and diesel prices have soared to their highest rates in more than three years
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GETTYMost expensive petrol prices
Shell Barthomley, Crewe, Cheshire (CW2 5PS) – 186.9p
Welcome Break Charnock Richard South, Chorley, Lancashire (PR7 5LR) – 184.9p
Leigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) – 184.9p
Welcome Break Gordano, Bristol, Somerset (BS20 7XG) – 184.9p
Welcome Break Warwick South, Ashorne, Warwickshire (CV35 0AA) – 184.9p
Most expensive diesel prices
Bettyhill General Merchants, Thurso, Highlands (KW14 7SP) – 229p
Mackenzie Stores, Portree, Isle of Skye (IV51 9JS) – 228.9p
Cuxton Auto Services, Rochester, Kent (ME2 1LH) – 218p
Ashey Road Garage, Ryde, Isle of Wight (PO33 4BB) – 212.9p
A&C Maclean, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides (HS9 5XD) – 212p