Germany Sees Spike in Fuel Theft Amid Record Diesel Prices

Jakarta – German law enforcement authorities have recorded a rise in fuel theft cases in several areas as prices climb following escalating tensions in the Middle East, German media reported on Wednesday, April 8.

The ADAC motoring club said diesel prices in Germany returned to a record high on Monday, averaging $2.44$ euros per liter nationwide. Super E10 gasoline also rose, reaching its highest level this year at $2.19$ euros per liter.

According to the DPA news agency, a sharp increase in fuel theft has been reported especially in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The State Criminal Police Office in Saxony-Anhalt said $95$ fuel theft-related crimes were recorded in March, up from $30$ cases in February.

Police said losses linked to the crimes reached around $189,000$ euros in March, compared with $65,000$ euros a month earlier.

Bild newspaper reported that during the Easter holiday alone, thieves stole about $6,000$ liters of diesel from two construction sites in Baden-Wuerttemberg, including $4,000$ liters in Pforzheim and $2,000$ liters in Calw.

Since March, police in Pforzheim have registered $29$ cases involving fuel siphoned from construction sites and $20$ more at filling stations.

Bild also reported that fuel prices in Germany have continued to rise despite measures taken by the government.

A new rule allowing gas stations to change prices only once a day has so far failed to ease the financial strain on motorists.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara