Thefts of fuel on increase as prices remain over €2 a litre in France

Fuel thefts are rising again in France, with recent cases highlighting a growing black market as pump prices remain above €2 a litre in many areas.

Police in eastern France have uncovered one such operation involving the theft and resale of hundreds of litres of fuel at cut prices. The case reflects a broader pattern that has re-emerged amid sustained high energy costs.

In Bourgoin-Jallieu (Isère), two men aged 19 and 22 were arrested on March 16 after siphoning between 600 and 700 litres of fuel from lorries parked on company premises. 

According to investigators, the fuel was then resold for €1 per litre via the social media platform Snapchat - around half the current price at the pump.

The scheme came to light after multiple transport firms reported unexplained losses. 

Police set up surveillance and caught the suspects transferring fuel containers through a fence. 

Both admitted the thefts during questioning. Around €1,000 in cash was later found during searches.

They could face up to three years of prison and fines of €45,000.

Professionals targeted

The case is not isolated. Industry professionals and insurers have reported an uptick in fuel siphoning, particularly targeting commercial vehicles with large tanks. 

Lorries, agricultural machinery and construction equipment are seen as especially vulnerable, often left overnight in unsecured or lightly monitored areas.

Some firms have begun installing anti-siphoning devices, fuel tank locks and surveillance systems in response.

While many cases appear to involve only small groups or individuals, the scale and frequency of incidents suggests more structured operations could be emerging due to the ongoing fuel-price spike.