Overview: Forecourt Eye analysis shows a significant rise in fuel theft at UK petrol stations since the Iran conflict began. The group estimates about 2,872 theft incidents per day nationwide and a 24% increase in stolen fuel volume at sampled sites. The monetary value of stolen fuel is estimated to have risen 48% versus the preceding five months, with a reported daily value of roughly £194,000. Forecourt Eye will offer Facewatch technology free to 2,000+ retailers from autumn 2026, though many operators say theft and abuse remain a challenge.
Fuel Theft Soars at UK Petrol Stations Since Iran Conflict, Forecourt Eye Estimates Nearly 2,900 Daily Drive-Offs
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More than £200,000 worth of fuel has been reported stolen from UK petrol stations since the Iran conflict began, and industry analysis suggests the problem has intensified in recent months.
Industry group Forecourt Eye analyzed a sample of 550 forecourts and extrapolated results across the UK's estate of 8,359 sites. Their findings show a sharp rise in drive-offs and other forms of fuel theft as pump prices have climbed.
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Key Findings
Forecourt Eye estimates an average of 2,872 theft incidents per day across UK forecourts, up from roughly 2,400 incidents before the conflict. The group also reports the daily value of stolen fuel has risen to around £194,000, and that the monetary value of stolen fuel is up 48% compared with the five months before the conflict started. At the sampled sites, the volume of fuel taken rose by 24%—from 87,000 litres to 108,900 litres—reflecting both higher prices and more frequent incidents.
Staff Safety and Abuse
Alongside theft, forecourt employees have reported increased levels of abuse, intimidation and occasional violence as some customers react angrily to high fuel prices. Operators say staff are frequently exposed to rude or aggressive behaviour from frustrated motorists.
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Tackling the Problem
To counteract rising crime, Forecourt Eye has announced a partnership with facial-recognition firm Facewatch. The initiative will offer free access to crime-reporting technology to more than 2,000 retailers, with rollout set to begin in autumn 2026. However, some operators warn that existing measures—even extensive CCTV—have not prevented drive-offs.
"I have more CCTV per square foot than Birmingham Airport," said Shailesh Parekh, owner of six forecourts operating as Midlands Motor Fuels. "Yet people still drive off without paying. Many businesses feel they must accept a baseline level of theft."
Forecourt Eye's figures highlight the combined effect of higher fuel prices and increased theft, making losses more damaging for small retailers and creating a tougher working environment for forecourt staff.
Note: Figures in this report are based on Forecourt Eye’s sampled data and industry extrapolations cited in media coverage. Different methodologies can produce different estimates; the numbers here reflect the group’s published analysis and media reporting.
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