Fuel Theft Rises as Prices Surge

More Drive-Off Incidents
Reports from SODA, a company that tracks and recovers unpaid fuel purchase transactions, indicate that the number of drive-offs occurring in this industry today is substantially higher than they were just before the outbreak of conflicts in the Middle East. And in March 2010 alone, there were almost 25% more drive-offs than there were in March 2009; April was even worse with almost 35% increase compared to April 2009. Most importantly, it appears from SODA's records that at least some of these drive-offs appear to have been committed with intent as opposed to by accident.

Rising Prices Causing an Increase
The Association of Drive-In Filling Stations has identified this situation as being unfortunate for operators of gas stations. Chairman of the Association Martin van Eijk said that, although some drivers are unable to pay their gas bills, others do not wish to pay. Fuel prices have risen dramatically in the last 2 months, and currently diesel is now just under 80 cents per litre more than it was 2 months ago, and Euro 95 is approximately $0.30 more than it was 2 months ago. Based on UnitedConsumers data, on Tuesday, both diesel and Euro 95 have reached the highest prices ever.

Difficulty for the Owner of A Gas Station
According to Van Eijk, the rate of thefts from gas stations varies by geographic region, as there tend to be fewer thefts in border areas where most drivers refill in Belgium and/or Germany, where gasoline is less expensive. Gasoline users caught driving away from a gas station without paying face not only a fine of €131, but will also have to pay for the fuel that was stolen. Gas station owners are attempting to recover their losses through the use of bailiffs, but because many of the offenders are now using substitute license plates to hide their identity, traditional collection methods are becoming increasingly difficult.