A service station owner in Sydney has been left outraged after a truck driver allegedly filled multiple tanks and drove off without paying, stealing nearly $3,000 worth of fuel in a single incident. The theft occurred at a petrol station in Cranebrook, near Penrith, where owner Anthony Pincevic stated that the driver spent approximately 10 minutes refueling before leaving without settling the bill.
Details of the Incident
Pincevic claims the driver moved between several pumps, filling the truck's tanks and also using on-site facilities to clean the vehicle before driving off with an estimated $2,800 to $3,000 worth of fuel. Speaking to 9News, he expressed his frustration at the casual nature of the theft. 'People come here, and they think it's a big branded site, so it doesn't matter,' he said. 'But it's actually a family-run business. You're stealing from us.'
Impact on Small Businesses
The owner noted that fuel theft has become increasingly common, adding pressure to already tight margins in the industry. 'We're trying to keep prices fair, but the margins are super low,' he added. Industry commentator Peter Khoury from the NRMA highlighted the instability in fuel prices, stating, 'The only certainty right now is just how volatile things are,' referring to recent swings in fuel costs.
Police Involvement and Reward
Pincevic has reported the matter to police but says progress has been slow. In an effort to identify the driver, he is now offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the culprit's identification.
