Thieves raid restaurant’s cooking oil in suspected biodiesel scam as fuel prices rocket

LocalEnvironment
20 Mar 2026 • 3:37 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

A pair of thieves were caught on camera stealing used cooking oil from a restaurant, in a raid thought to be prompted by soaring fuel prices.

CCTV shared by Olivo Ristorante Italiona in Surrey on Tuesday (17 March) shows the pair removing several containers of oil before fleeing the scene. The restaurant described the incident as “extremely disappointing” and urged anyone with information to contact them.

About 70% of biodiesel produced in the UK is made from used cooking oil, according to UK government statistics.

Oil and gas prices have risen sharply since the US-Israeli conflict against Iran began, with prices more than doubling since 28 February. Following an attack on a gas hub in Qatar on Thursday, the price of UK natural gas has surged by almost a quarter.

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved