Used Cooking Oil Theft Surges in the U.S. as Biofuel Demand Grow

Used cooking oil (UCO), once considered a waste product, has become a valuable feedstock for biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As demand for renewable fuels continues to rise, UCO prices have increased significantly, making it an attractive target for organized theft.

Between May and July 2026,  police in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have arrested several suspects linked to the theft of used cooking oil from restaurants. The thieves typically operate late at night, using trucks equipped with industrial pumps, hoses, and large storage tanks to quickly siphon oil from collection containers before transporting it for illegal resale.

Authorities are urging restaurants to improve security by installing surveillance cameras, locking grease containers, and reporting suspicious activity, warning that UCO has become a high-value commodity in the growing biofuel market.