Photo: RussellHarryLee /Flickr / CC BY 2.0

British haulier falls victim to £24,000 fuel theft

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Newcastle-based haulage firm Murray Hogg has revealed it recently lost 15,000 litres of diesel worth approximately £24,000 due to a theft at its depot.

The theft comes after record-high fuel prices have seen the RHA and the UK haulage industry as a whole repeatedly plead with the government to take action to address the problem.

David Hogg, the director of Murray Hogg, told the BBC that current fuel prices have been “crippling” for the company. He added that he had heard of another fuel theft of similar gravity in Newburn.

According to the company director, the fuel theft was first discovered when a security guard noticed a “hose coming from a fuel tank” during a morning check. Then, when the tank was checked, it became apparent that the thieves had taken as much 15,000 litres.

David Hogg told the BBC that he thought the theft could have taken as long as four hours. The BBC also writes that it is thought that two other fuel thefts have taken place in Darlington and Newcastle areas in the last 7 days.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Government has announced a 20% cut in excise duty per litre of petrol and a 15% cut per litre of diesel. A cut of 2% per litre of green diesel has also been agreed. It is thought that the move could tempt Northern Irish hauliers and motorists to nip over the border to stock up on cheaper fuel.


Photo: RussellHarryLee /Flickr / CC BY 2.0