The DVLA received almost 290,000 requests for vehicle keeper information concerning alleged fuel theft during the 2025/26 financial year, averaging 794 requests a day.
Sharp rise over recent years
Just 476 requests for driver details suspected of fuel theft were made to the DVLA in 2018/19. That rose to 13,477 a year later and to 20,543 in 2019/20.
By 2022/23 the DVLA received over 142,000 requests relating to fuel theft, before doubling to nearly 290,000 last year.
The numbers were revealed through Freedom of Information requests sent by the Star to the DVLA, asking for requests for driver information for suspected fuel thefts. Criminality isn’t proven at the point of a request being made, so not all incidents will have been deliberate thefts. Charges may also not have been brought in all cases.
Industry reaction
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “The dramatic rise in the price of fuel due to the Iran War has unfortunately led to these shocking figures.
“At its worst, the average price of diesel increased by 35% to a wartime high of 191.54p on 15 April, while petrol climbed 19% to 158p a litre at the same time.
“There can never be an excuse for making off without paying for fuel, so the action of these drivers is despicable. The consequence of this for law-abiding drivers can often be higher prices at the worst-affected pumps as retailers look to recoup their losses.”
DVLA response
A DVLA spokesperson said: “Fuel theft is a criminal offence. DVLA has worked with the police and the Home Office to make it easier to share vehicle keeper information with fuel retailers to use as a first point of contact when following up cases of alleged fuel theft.
“Fuel retailers can request vehicle keeper details electronically, making the process more efficient and reducing the need for paper applications.”
