Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has been accused of 'legitimising' a surge in fuel thefts by suggesting the increase is linked to the United Kingdom's cost-of-living crisis. The criticism emerged after Fahnbulleh, who replaced Ed Miliband as Energy Secretary, discussed the issue on LBC radio.
Figures indicate a significant rise in fuel thefts from UK forecourts. In the five months since February 28, thefts have increased by 20 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. The daily value of stolen fuel has risen by 48 percent, reaching an estimated average of £194,000 across more than 8,300 forecourts. These statistics are based on reports from a sample of 550 forecourts, analyzed by fuel theft prevention company Forecourt Eye.
Fahnbulleh stated on LBC that her department is