The number of motorists driving away after refuelling without paying increased again in April. SODA, the organisation that pursues non‑payers for petrol stations, says this happened almost twice as often as a year earlier. Fuel prices in the Netherlands have reached new record highs since the war in the Middle East began in late February.
SODA reports a 46 per cent rise in drive‑offs last month. The organisation says many motorists acted deliberately. Two out of three people who drove away did so on purpose. “Rising fuel prices and higher living costs can push more people into financial difficulty. In some cases, refuelling without paying appears to be seen as a way out,” the organisation says.
In March, SODA also noted a quarter more drive‑offs at petrol stations.
Driving away after refuelling without paying is a criminal offence. Petrol station owners can report the incident to the police and claim the fuel costs and compensation from the vehicle owner.
According to consumer collective UnitedConsumers, the recommended price of a litre of Euro95 rose slightly on Monday, while diesel became marginally cheaper. Euro95 costs 2.620 euros per litre, compared with 2.619 euros on Sunday. A litre of diesel costs 2.509 euros, down from 2.511 euros the day before. Many motorists can refuel more cheaply elsewhere, as recommended prices often apply only along the motorway.
@ANP | News Brainport
