Fuel theft is a risk that any owner of a fuel storage tanks is aware or perhaps has even experienced it personally.

In their case, fraud occurs due to lack of fuel management systems, lack of a fuel stock monitoring system, unauthorised refuelling, authorised refuelling but on vehicles outside the company fleet, lack of security of the site, etc. 

Fuel fraud is a problem not only for owners of storage tanks, but also for companies with fleets of vehicles that are transporting goods, parcels or fleets of machinery working on construction sites, ports, etc. They are also facing the problem of fuel theft. In their case the theft occurs directly from the vehicle's fuel tank, after it has been correctly fuelled from the authorised, monitored fuelling point.

Fuel theft is a problem affecting industries such as construction, agriculture, industry, transport, etc.

When we say fuel we mean diesel, petrol, gasoline, HVO, oil, kerosene, etc.


Why does fuel thefts occur?

Unfortunately the price of fuel is quite high and continues to rise, which makes some people turn to such frauds.

The lack of management and monitoring systems gives many employees the courage to fuel without worrying about the consequences.

Many tanks are placed in locations without surveillance and security systems, which increases the risk of fraud.

There are also subjective reasons; every case of fraud has its own story.


Whatever the reason, the problem exists and fuel fraud must be stopped.

If you're wondering how you can prevent fuel theft, we've outlined some recommendations below that should help you deal with it.

1. Place the refueling system in a lockable metal box. This is the simplest and cheapest option. This option can be done directly from the factory where you purchase the tank.


2. Install a fuel level monitoring equipment. There are several level probes and measuring devices, we have discussed about the products sold by Eurial in the articles: Piusi Ocio - Accurate tank fluid measuring system  and Tecsonic Ultrasonic - level measurement system from Horn Tecalemit.

Depending on the type of level monitoring device you choose, you can check the fuel level in the tank in real time, or every 24 hours, or you receive alerts on your phone.

If there's a certain amount of fuel Friday, but over the weekend when activities are interrupted the level drops by 20 litres, you'll quickly notice the difference and can take action.


3. Place the storage tank in a safe place, in a fenced yard, in the back of the building, in a place where the video camera can reach it. Do not position the tank at the main street where any refueling can be seen.


4. You can choose a mobile tank or a Unitak, which have smaller capacities but can be placed in more hidden and secure areas, can be moved inside a warehouse. Choosing a fuel tank depends on the amount of fuel you use, we wrote about this in the article Storage tank applications in agriculture and construction.


5. Choose a fuel monitoring system. There are simpler systems, but cost-effective.

There are also complex fuel management and monitoring systems with smart features, with apps that allow remote access to fuel, restrictions on pumps, managing each transaction, consumption by driver, car, zone, etc.

Perhaps the most complete system for monitoring fuel is the OptiTEH Integrated Management System.




A fuel management system tailored to each company's needs is the best way to eliminate fuel fraud before it occurs.


6. Install lights and cameras to provide clear images if there is an attempt to steal fuel. No thief is so reckless to expose themselves in a well-lit, camera-monitored location for a few liters of fuel, but that doesn't exclude the fact that some are willing to take their chances even under such conditions.




7. If there is ongoing fraud, increase security measures and find the responsible person.

If there are small quantities of fuel missing, first of all check the equipment and the condition of the tank, so there are no leaks that can cause stock errors.


Strange as it may seem, we're still talking about fuel fraud and theft in 2024.

Companies in the fuel distribution market are always looking for solutions to increase security, discourage fraud and theft, and bring peace of mind to fleet managers or fuel tank owners.

Even if the fuel stock disappears from the tank slowly, in a year the losses are high.

In today's environment where fuel prices fluctuate and affect absolutely every business, increasing the price of food and services as we have already seen happen, it is good to be cautious, to invest in systems to ensure that the business works and there is no risk of fraud.

Find out more about the  fuel level monitoring systems and fuel management and consumption systems we have in our offer.

Contact us for more details on how you can eliminate fraud and fuel theft from your bussiness.