Restaurant’s cooking oil stolen in suspected biodiesel scam as fuel prices rocket

A pair of thieves were caught on camera stealing used cooking oil from a restaurant, in a raid thought to be prompted by soaring fuel prices. CCTV shared by Olivo Ristorante Italiona in Surrey on Tuesday (17 March) shows the pair removing several containers of oil before fleeing the scene. The restaurant described the incident as “extremely disappointing” and urged anyone with information to contact them. About 70% of biodiesel produced in the UK is made from used cooking oil, according to UK government statistics. Oil and gas prices have risen sharply since the US-Israeli conflict against Iran began, with prices more than doubling since 28 February. Following an attack on a gas hub in Qatar on Thursday, the price of UK natural gas has surged by almost a quarter. The Independent has contacted Surrey Police for comment.