The Motor Trade Association says petrol thefts from service stations are on the increase.
The retail price of 91 octane rose to $2.21.9 per litre this month, surpassing the previous record set in 2008, before falling to its current level of $2.12.9 per litre.
The association, which has about 850 members, says the number of drive-offs has risen alongside the increasing price of fuel.
Because it now costs $100 or more to fill a tank, the MTA says it's not surprising more people are stealing fuel.
It says service station owners are fed up and are asking the police to prosecute anyone who is caught.
Most drive-offs happen in the bigger cities.
