April saw unpaid fuel incidents rise again, according to the British Oil Security Syndicate, with a 3% increase compared to the previous month, which saw an even sharper uptick.
BOSS’ Payment Watch scheme has recorded a 19% surge in drive-offs and drivers claiming to have no means of payment in March, while last month saw an even higher rise, which is linked to the spike in fuel prices.
Claire Nichol, executive director at BOSS, comments: “As forecourts become busier and customer behaviour continues to evolve, preventing fuel-related losses remains a priority for every forecourt operator.
“Unpaid fuel reports have continued to rise in recent weeks, so forecourt operators should remain vigilant for unusual activity at the pumps and ensure that customers entering stores pay for fuel.”
The organisation urged fuel retailers to “maintain robust procedures and be aware of suspicious activity, particularly during periods of increased demand and price volatility,”
