Fuel Thefts in Birmingham Surge by 62% Over Past Year as Prices Continue to Climb
Fuel thefts have experienced a dramatic increase across Birmingham, with a staggering 62% rise over the past year as petrol and diesel prices remain elevated. According to new figures from fuel theft recovery firm Pay My Fuel, obtained by the BBC, this surge is primarily driven by a spike in "drive-off" incidents, where motorists fill up at petrol stations and leave without paying.
Sharp Rise in Drive-Off Incidents and Stolen Value
The data reveals that per forecourt, drive-offs jumped from 2.1 in March 2025 to 3.4 in March 2026, highlighting a concerning trend. Additionally, there has been a 46% increase in the average value of fuel stolen per incident during this period. Ian Wolfenden, director of Pay My Fuel, emphasized the financial impact in an interview with the BBC, stating, "An average drive-off for one of our customers used to be £56, and now it’s gone up to £67. So if you consider they’re losing nearly £70 every two days, it’s not insignificant."
Recent Price Fluctuations and Expert Insights
Despite the theft surge, drivers are being urged to fill up their tanks this week due to a minor dip in prices. RAC head of policy Simon Williams noted that pump prices decreased slightly over the weekend, with petrol reducing by more than half a penny (0.65p) since peaking last Wednesday and diesel by a penny (1.06p). Williams added, "The RAC's analysis of wholesale data shows that the drop ought to accelerate this week as more retailers buy in new supply at lower costs."
Gordon Wallis of Interfuels provided further context on price volatility, explaining, "Fuel prices at forecourts can change multiple times throughout the day. These shifts are driven by wholesale market movements, local competition and patterns in consumer demand." He highlighted that late morning and early afternoon tend to be busy periods, leading to higher prices as demand remains steady. Wallis also pointed out that fuel deliveries around midday, priced against current market rates, can contribute to elevated pump prices during that window.
Broader Implications for Birmingham
This increase in fuel thefts coincides with ongoing price climbs, partly influenced by recent events in the Middle East that have caused prices to soar. The situation underscores the financial pressures facing both consumers and retailers in Birmingham, with thefts adding to the challenges of an already volatile market. As prices continue to fluctuate, authorities and industry experts are monitoring the trend closely, urging vigilance and responsible fueling practices to mitigate losses and ensure safety.
