Queensland authorities have charged an individual with seven offenses related to the alleged pilfering of fuel valued at $1.1 million in the southeastern region of the state.
According to a statement from the police, a search conducted at a residence in Greenbank in March resulted in the recovery of stolen goods, including a makeshift taser.
The accused, a 48-year-old man, has been placed in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court in May.
Police assert that the man utilized stolen fuel cards to illicitly obtain substantial quantities of diesel from unattended depots in Parkinson, Bundamba, and Karawatha over a year, specifically from December 2024 to December 2025.
The investigation revealed the alleged thefts coincided with a recent spike in fuel prices, which surged following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February amid ongoing conflicts involving the US and Israel against Iran.
As of the week ending April 5, average retail diesel prices reached 312.7 cents per liter, as reported by the Australian Institute of Petroleum.
In a public statement released on Friday, Queensland Police emphasized their zero-tolerance policy toward fuel theft, regardless of the quantity involved. “Theft, whether involving a single tank or large-scale diesel fraud, is a criminal offense that can result in court proceedings,” stated Acting Detective Inspector Justin Anderson from the South Brisbane District Centenary Crime Group.
The man’s initial court appearance occurred on March 25, and he has remained in custody. His next court date is set for May 15 at the Richlands Magistrates Court.
