Theft of gas at the pump has surged by 62% in the U.K. compared with a year ago, according to new figures released April 21 that were compiled for the BBC by fuel theft recovery company Pay My Fuel. The crime spree is blamed on the price rises brought on by the war in Iran. Forecourt Eye, a fuel debt recovery platform, said theft levels were worse than in 2022, when prices rose sharply after Russia invaded Ukraine, reported the U.K.’s Times.

The thefts are mostly executed by consumers filling up their tanks, then driving off without paying. But there have also been reports of criminals driving up with vans full of fuel canisters to fill them up at gas stations, driving off without paying, then selling the gasoline at impromptu roadside stops.

Paying for gas (known as petrol) in the U.K. usually involves filling up first, then paying either at a kiosk inside or at the pump. Switching to a pay-first system, even if that were possible to implement quickly, is unattractive because petrol and diesel retailers say their staff have also faced a jump in abuse because of high fuel prices. The Guardian reported that the U.K. Petrol Retailers Association got into a dispute with the U.K. government in March, after claiming “inflammatory language” used by government ministers alleging “price gouging” and “ripping off” motorists may have incited abuse against gas station forecourt staff.

Gas for automobiles and trucks is around 40% more expensive in the U.K. than in the U.S. because of higher taxes. Since the conflict began, the cost of filling a typical family car with petrol has risen by £14 ($18.20), while a typical tank of diesel has gone up by about £27.

The U.K. government said fuel thieves "must face the full force of the law" while police said forces were taking a proactive approach to the issue.