Calgary police are investigating a series of large-scale diesel thefts after approximately 10,000 litres of fuel were stolen from underground storage tanks at three gas stations in the city. The incidents have resulted in an estimated financial loss of about $20,000 for BG Fuels, the company operating the affected stations. Investigators are examining surveillance footage and other evidence to determine whether the thefts were carried out by the same people. The largest incident involved approximately 8,000 litres of diesel being removed from one of the stations. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a truck arriving at the location at around 4 a.m., when the station was closed, and remaining there for approximately 25 minutes. Investigators believe the vehicle was equipped to transport a large quantity of fuel. The amount taken was significantly greater than the small quantities typically involved in fuel siphoning incidents.
A second theft involved approximately 50 litres of diesel, while another station lost about 2,000 litres. The similarities between the incidents have led the company to believe they could be connected. The method used in the thefts is also attracting attention. Rather than taking fuel directly from individual vehicles, the suspects allegedly accessed the stations’ underground fuel-storage systems, allowing them to remove thousands of litres at a time. Large underground tanks at gas stations can hold tens of thousands of litres of fuel, meaning a substantial amount can be removed before the loss is immediately detected. Fuel inventories are generally tracked through station-management systems, but discrepancies may only become apparent when employees compare expected and actual fuel levels.
The thefts also create operational challenges for gas-station operators. Beyond the direct cost of the missing fuel, businesses may face expenses related to inspections, equipment checks, security upgrades and temporarily adjusting operations while investigators examine the affected locations. The incidents have raised concerns about the security of fuel infrastructure in Calgary, particularly during overnight hours when many stations have fewer employees on site or are closed to customers.
Police are reviewing security-camera footage to identify the vehicles involved and establish whether the same suspects visited multiple locations. Investigators may also examine licence-plate information, vehicle descriptions and the timing of the incidents to determine whether there is a broader pattern.
The size of the thefts could also indicate that the suspects had access to specialized equipment or vehicles capable of safely transporting large volumes of diesel. Authorities have not publicly disclosed details about the equipment allegedly used. Fuel theft can carry significant safety risks. Diesel is a combustible petroleum product, and transferring large quantities outside normal commercial procedures can create risks involving spills, equipment failure and improper storage or transportation. For fuel retailers, the incidents also come at a time when diesel prices remain an important operating cost for transportation, construction, agriculture and other industries. A loss of thousands of litres represents not only a direct financial loss but also the potential loss of inventory needed to serve customers. Calgary police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the affected stations, particularly during overnight hours, to come forward. Investigators are also interested in dashcam footage or other video that could show trucks or other vehicles entering or leaving the areas around the time of the thefts. No arrests have been announced in connection with the three incidents, and police have not publicly identified any suspects. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine whether the three thefts are connected and identify those responsible.