Report recommends introduction of pre-paid fuel to stop drive-offs

It doesn’t look like Victorians will be forced to pre-pay for fuel anytime soon, despite the fact its introduction may minimise petrol theft. 

More than 3000 drive-offs were reported in 2014, down from more than 5000 in 2006 and 2008.

But the fuel industry says that figure is more like 192,000.

A recent report undertaken by the Law Reform Road and Community Safety Committee found introducing pre-payment would likely solve the problem of fuel theft.

However, the petrol industry is reluctant to introduce pre-payment as the profit margin for fuel purchases is quite low.

To make its money, the industry largely relies on spur-of-the-moment purchases from customers who head in store to pay.

Click PLAY below to hear details of the report on 3AW Mornings