Proactive Investors - Motorists filling up and driving off without paying is soaring according to the latest data from the RAC.
According to the RAC Foundation, there were 39,563 incidents between July and September this year - a 77% rise over the same period last year and a four-fold increase compared to 2019.
“Systematic criminal activity” is likely to blame for the rise said the motoring lobby group with drive-offs or bilking seeing by far the largest increase.
According to the British Oil Security Syndicate, bilking costs filling stations an average of £10,500 each per year.
Steve Gooding, an RAC Foundation director, said the figures come as "no surprise" and might "only hint at a bigger issue".
"While it may be that the cost of living crisis is tempting some people to risk driving off without paying, the real headache for fuel suppliers is if this is a sign of more systematic criminal activity," he added.
The RAC has recently accused the big fuel retailers of failing to pass on the 5p a litre duty cut bought in by the government, adding it is only helping some retailers boost their margins.
After threatening to hit US$100 in the wake of the Israel/Gaza war, crude prices have fallen back again due to concerns over China’s economic health and its potential demand going forward.
Brent crude today dropped to US$83 a barrel, its lowest for two months on weak Chinese export data overnight.