A sharp spike in fuel station drive-offs has triggered a strong response from the Commissioner of South Australia Police (SAPOL), Stevens signalling a major shift in how police handle fuel drive-offs. His message is clear, saying service stations may soon be expected to prevent theft themselves.
Drive-offs surge as fuel prices climb
Fuel theft incidents in South Australia have jumped dramatically, up 36% in just one week, rising from 162 to 221 cases.
According to Grantley Stevens, Commissioner of South Australia Police (SAPOL), the trend is being fuelled by the increasing cost-of-living pressures and petrol prices. He warned that more incidents are likely in the coming weeks.
Fuel prices under pressure nationwide
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), average prices hit 219.7 cents per litre on March 11. That’s an increase of 48.8 cents per litre since February 20. Since then, prices have risen even further, and some service stations have run out of fuel.
The price surge isn’t due to supply disruption, but demand. Key drivers for it include panic buying by consumers, increased domestic demand, and ongoing global uncertainty linked to conflict in the Middle East.
The ACCC has also criticised fuel retailers for raising prices earlier than expected.
Police shift responsibility to fuel retailers
In a significant policy stance, Stevens said police will no longer prioritise investigating routine drive-offs, describing many as “completely preventable.” Instead, responsibility will shift to the fuel industry.
He reportedly urged fuel retailers to install pre-paid fuel pumps. Stevens also made it clear that crimes linked to more serious offences will still be investigated, but everyday drive-offs may no longer receive police attention.
This isn’t a new idea. Stevens previously called for pre-paid pumps in July 2024, claiming fuel theft could be stopped overnight with this change. Police have been pushing for it for over 10 years without success.
ACCC launches investigation into fuel giants
In a major development, the ACCC has launched an enforcement investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour involving Ampol, BP Australia, Mobil Oil Australia, and Viva Energy.
The probe focuses on diesel supply issues, availability for independent wholesalers, and impacts on regional and rural areas.
ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the watchdog is closely scrutinising all fuel markets. The investigation is being treated as urgent due to widespread concern.
Also read: Dirty fuel to be sold in Australia for 60 days
PM urges calm as demand surges
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also weighed in, urging Australians to avoid panic buying. His message says, “Only buy the fuel you need, and think of others and act responsibly.”
He noted that in some areas, demand has doubled, and this rushed buying is driving unnecessary pressure. Albanese reassured that fuel supplies into Australia have not been disrupted and shipments are arriving as scheduled. However, he stopped short of guaranteeing how long that stability will last.
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