Industry voices say the British numbers are troubling but may be only the "tip of the iceberg," with sources suggesting the United States is experiencing even higher and more volatile fuel‑related incidents. Analysts stress most episodes involve verbal abuse or threats rather than organized theft.
The 79‑year‑old Republican president has been criticized as rising global tensions drive up oil prices; the national average in the U.S. hit about $3.90 a gallon in early April. Observers also note recent controversy after the president posted, then deleted, an AI‑generated image of himself that drew international attention.