With prices at the pump rising and some people having to choose between fuel or food, potential drive-off thefts have become a concern at petrol stations.

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is talking to its members about the increasing possibility of some people driving off without paying for fuel.

The Government has outlined the triggers that could force the country into fuel rationing but says for now there is sufficient supply and no need for stockpiling.

MTA spokesman Simon Bradwell said drive-offs are nothing new but could worsen because of tough financial times.

“Already people are feeling the pressure on their household budgets in their back pocket anyways.

“So in a situation like that there’s always going to people that do try, you know, drive-off theft, try and alleviate the financial pressures on themselves.”

Bradwell said people need to remember that station staff are not responsible for their fuel woes.

“The person behind the counter isn’t to blame for any of this, they’re just doing their job. Nobody deserves to cop an earful about what’s happening.”

He said businesses are doing what they can to keep prices down.

“It’s actually in their best interest to keep people coming to their businesses.”

Chief executive of the Māngere Budgeting Services Trust Lara Dolan said some people can no longer afford the rising cost of fuel.

“Obviously additional costs for fuel [are] putting additional pressure [on] already struggling families.”

Dolan said demand for food had risen by a quarter in the past three weeks as fuel price rises hit, and most of their clients could not afford the increases.

“We are all hoping that the conflict is not going to go on for much longer because it does hurt and it does hurt everyone.”

She said people filling up can face paying nearly $20 more each time.

“It does hurt people with children, people without children – it just hurts everyone.”

RNZ