Gas up & Go: Rising fuel costs causes sharp rise in petrol, diesel theft in Netherlands

Rising fuel prices have led to more drivers leaving gas stations without paying. SODA, an organization that tracks down non-paying customers for fuel stations, reports that since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, such incidents have risen by over 25 percent.

Compared with the previous year, unpaid fuel stops increased by 25 percent in March and climbed further to 35 percent in April. SODA observes that these incidents are increasingly intentional this year.

Drive, the trade association for gas stations, describes the situation as “very unfortunate” for station owners, according to chairman Martin van Eijk. “Some people don’t want to pay, and others can’t. Sadly, that’s the reality.”

Since late February, pump prices have surged. Diesel prices have risen by roughly 80 euro cents per liter, and Euro95 by about 30 euro cents. Data from the consumer group UnitedConsumers show that both reached record highs on Tuesday.

Van Eijk points out that the number of drive-offs varies greatly between stations. “It happens far less near the border, but fewer people are refueling there anyway.” Drivers in border regions often opt to fuel up in Belgium or Germany instead of the Netherlands, taking advantage of lower prices.

Drivers who leave without paying face a 131-euro fine in addition to the cost of the fuel. Gas station owners work closely with bailiffs to recover unpaid amounts, but Van Eijk notes it isn’t always straightforward. “Fake license plates are making collection increasingly challenging.”