Estonia has registered more than 2,000 fuel thefts since the start of the year

The figure is about 50% higher than for the same period in 2025, ERR reported, citing the country’s Ministry of Justice.

More than 2,000 cases of motor fuel theft have been registered in Estonia since the start of 2026. That is about 50% more than in the same period last year, broadcaster ERR reported, citing a review by the Ministry of Justice.

The ministry says the thefts have become more systematic and point more to a deliberate scheme than to random acts. As an example, it cited a case recently heard in court in which almost 67,000 liters of diesel were stolen from one filling station over several dozen incidents.

ERR previously reported that petrol prices in the country rose 33.8% over the year and diesel prices rose 58%. At the end of September, diesel reached a record 2.4 euros per liter. These prices form the backdrop to the statistics, but do not by themselves establish the cause of individual thefts.

Police and prosecutors are focusing on repeated thefts, which cause companies the greatest losses. According to ERR, law enforcement agencies are working with filling stations to improve theft prevention and evidence collection.