A Sydney service station owner has been angered after a truck driver filled several tanks and drove off without paying, stealing almost $3000 worth of fuel in one incident.The theft occurred at a petrol station in Cranbrook, near Penrith, where owner Anthony Bencevich says the driver spent about 10 minutes refueling before leaving without paying the bill.Bencevich alleges the driver moved between several pumps, filled the truck’s tanks and also used on-site facilities to clean the vehicle before driving off with fuel valued at an estimated $2,800 to $3,000.Speaking to 9News, he said the incident was particularly frustrating because of its casual appearance.“People come here and think it’s a big brand location, so it doesn’t matter,” he said.“But it’s actually a family-run business. You’re stealing from us,” he added.He added that fuel theft is becoming more common, putting further pressure on the industry’s already limited profit margins.“We try to keep prices fair, but the margins are very low,” he said.Industry commentator Peter Khoury of the NRMA said fuel prices remain unstable, with wholesale changes continuing to impact what drivers pay at the pump.
“The only thing that is certain now is how volatile things are,” he said, referring to recent fluctuations in fuel costs.Pincevic reported the matter to police but says progress has been slow. He is now offering a $1,000 reward for information that helps identify the driver.
