Fuel theft and aggression spikes at petrol stations

Fuel theft is surging at service stations nationwide, costing retailers hundreds as rising petrol prices, driven by conflict in the Middle East, continue to climb.

Incidents have risen by 30 per cent, with aggression towards servo workers also spiking, according to a peak industry body.

It comes as a 39-year-old was charged after an attendant was attacked while trying to stop a petrol thief in Western Australia.

Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association chief executive officer Rowan Lee told AAP the spike in thefts had been recorded nationwide, with no single state or territory standing out.

"Since the conflict in the Middle East began, fuel theft has increased by up to 30 per cent. Fuel theft costs retailers on average $208 per service station per week," he said.

"This equates to an $80 million per annum loss to the industry."

Hostility and aggressive behaviour are also increasing, with customers becoming frustrated when certain types of fuel aren't available or when they are required to go into the store to pay.

"The person who's serving you behind the counter isn't the one who set the fuel price, so it's no use taking out your frustration on them," Mr Lee said.

On Monday, a male attendant suffered serious facial injuries after trying to stop a man from stealing fuel at an Armadale station in southeast Perth.

The man filled up his car before attempting to drive off without paying.

Detectives tracked down the alleged thief hours later, arresting him, before he was charged with stealing and dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Glenn McCagh was remanded in custody after a short court appearance on Tuesday.

The incident comes as fuel prices surge, with shortages affecting petrol stations nationwide amid the Middle East conflict.

Police across several states told AAP there had been no notable spikes in fuel theft this year, although the crime is often under reported.

An ACT Policing spokesperson encouraged service stations to report any incidents to police.

Meanwhile, Queensland Police have implemented a SMS and email initiative targeting vehicles involved in suspected fuel drive-offs.

The strategy allows police to send an SMS or email to the vehicle's owner advising of a suspected fuel drive-off.

"The Queensland Police Service remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to reinforce prevention strategies and encourages the timely reporting of fuel drive offs and thefts to help address this issue effectively," a spokesperson told AAP.

Victoria Police said recent price increases could lead to an increase in petrol drive-offs, although they confirmed there were no notable trends indicating a rise in such incidents.

Although concern about fuel supplies continues to mount after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz - a key global trade route - in response to US and Israeli strikes has sent global oil prices skyrocketing.

For service station providers, the coming months are expected to remain turbulent, Mr Lee said.