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Andy BurnhamA new Energy Secretary has been criticized for ‘justifying’ an increase in fuel thefts at petrol stations by associating it with the UK’scost of living problems. 

Miatta Fahnbulleh, who took over from Net Zero advocate Ed Miliband following his promotion toForeign Secretary, faced criticism today due to a significant increase in fuel station thefts.

She indicated that it was at least partially driven by increases in energy company prices — resulting in backlash from Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, who criticized Labour for being ‘lenient towards crime’.

The controversy arises following the disclosure that drivers have been stealing £200,000 worth of fuel daily from UK petrol stations, as prices have surged due toIran war.

Thefts have increased by 20 percent in the five months since the conflict started on February 28, when compared to the same period before.

The cost of stolen fuel increased by 48 percent,reaching an approximate daily average of £194,000 across the UK’s 8,359 service stations. 

Ms. Fahnbulleh was questioned regarding the statistics on LBC radio by host Nick Ferrari and responded by stating: ‘We are extremely aware of this matter, and it is something we are clearly addressing in collaboration with the Home Office, which will ultimately be responsible for handling crime, including various forms of theft.’

But it highlights the fact that, as you know, individuals are facing significant stress due to the high cost of energy, along with the expense of fuel.

We are keeping a very close eye on the fuel expenses. We recognize that the price of fuel is excessively high and that individuals are deeply concerned about it.

When asked for more information, Ms. Fahnbulleh stated: “Yes, it is theft, and we are observing various types of theft throughout the work.”

We are aware of, for instance, a surge in shoplifting incidents, and this is an issue we are determined to address.

There is never a valid reason for it. However, what concerns me specifically is the issue that many of your listeners will be aware of, which is the cost of fuel, something we need to address effectively.

Mr. Tice, who serves as Reform UK’s energy spokesperson and is also Nigel Farage’s deputy leader, stated to the Telegraph: ‘The Secretary of State for Energy seems to be endorsing theft by arguing that the cost of living crisis, partially driven by Labour, is too severe.’

‘This indicates that Labour is lenient towards crime.The simplest approach to managing energy and fuel expenses is to abandon the net zero initiative, eliminate all unnecessary environmental taxes, lower living costs, and curb inflation. Anyone involved in theft should face legal consequences.

Recent data indicates a 23 percent increase in cases involving first-time offenders, along with a 26 percent rise in the amount of fuel stolen — compared to 17 percent and 20 percent respectively for those with prior convictions.

The data comes from reports provided by a representative sample of 550 forecourts, which were examined by the fuel theft prevention company Forecourt Eye.

They involve situations where customers do not try to pay, and instances where a customer pumps fuel and then states they cannot make the payment.

Meanwhile, the average cost of a liter of gasoline reached 160p last Friday – approximately 27p higher than prior to the conflict, marking a three-and-a-half year peak.

The typical cost of diesel is approximately 37p more per litre compared to pre-war levels, now standing at 179p.

British petrol stations said the continuing US-Iran conflict has caused a surge in forecourt pricescrimemore intense than the consequences of Russia’s conflict withUkraine, with station owners characterizing a more ‘audacious’ environment.

Owners of high-end luxury cars, including Ferraris and Mercedes, are some of the drivers who have been spotted speeding away without settling their bills – occasionally waving at staff as they leave.

In addition to lone opportunists, it has been reported that organized crime groups have utilized delivery trucks fitted with substantial internal containers to extract fuel, functioning as ‘mobile’petrolstations that sell the stolen items at a reduced price from roadside rest areas.

Forecourt Eye’s managing director, Michelle Henchoz, stated: ‘With offenses becoming increasingly organized and complex, operators require integrated technology that enables them to safeguard both their forecourt and convenience store.’

Gordon Balmer, the executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, which advocates for independent gas stations, mentioned that its members are “experiencing growing instances of abuse and hostility directed at staff who are merely performing their duties and have no control over the prices shown at the pumps.”

He stated: ‘Combining technologies that assist retailers in preventing crime, handling incidents, and aiding police investigations is a beneficial move for the sector.’

Ben Lawrence, a director at Lawrences Garages, which owns five petrol stations in Norfolk and Hampshire, stated that fuel thefts were traditionally committed by individuals involved in other criminal activities – but increasing living expenses have changed this trend.

He mentioned there is a “misunderstanding” that all forecourts with logos from major energy companies like BP and Shell are managed by these corporations, instead of independent businesses, leading some drivers to think “it doesn’t matter” if they don’t pay.

He stated, “It does matter to us. When someone leaves after taking fuel costing £80-£90, it affects us directly, not the oil companies. We have already bought it.”

According to the Theft Act 1978, taking a vehicle without permission is a criminal act that can result in substantial fines or a prison sentence of up to two years.

Although there are legal implications, numerous retailers have stopped informing authorities about incidents, as the low value of each theft—usually around £50—means they are treated in the same way as small-scale shoplifting.

The rate of convictions stays low, according to a Forecourt Trader study showing that most police departments are unable to recognize offenders in most instances.

Official figures from the prior year indicate that ‘drive-off’ thefts increased by almost 50% within a single year, leading to millions of pounds in damages for the sector.

Europe is confronted by an approaching energy shortage, with gas reserves dropping to record lows due to the conflict in Iran.

Energy advisory firm Wood Mackenzie has cautioned that storage facilities throughout the region are slightly above 50% capacity, which is a notably low figure for this time of the year.

Previously, storage facilities were at 90 percent full, but now, Europe isconsidering the arrival of winter with just 75% operational capacity.

Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president of gas research at Wood Mackenzie, warned that minimal storage capacity and increased rivalry for liquefied natural gas (LNG) could lead to rising energy costs in the coming period.

He stated: “Low European stockpiles, robust Asian demand, and minimal increases in new LNG supply almost ensure high prices throughout this winter and into 2027.”

European LNG imports have experienced a significant decline since the start of the conflict in Iran.

Imports are expected to reach 6.3 million metric tons in July, the smallest amount since September 2024, as reported by Kpler.

After the US-Iran temporary peace agreement in April led to a brief opening of the Strait of Hormuz, many anticipated that Qatar—previously responsible for approximately one-fifth of global LNG supply before the conflict—would swiftly resume its exports.

But the renewed restriction of the strait in recent weeks amidescalatingTensions between the US and Iran have ruined those hopes.

The European market is now growing more concerned due to the mix of low stock levels, weak import flows, and a worsening supply situation.

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