Olds RCMP are seeking the driver of a large truck linked to the theft of a significant amount of diesel from the Westview Co-op Cardlock in Mountain View County. The theft happened between 3 and 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and police released a photo of the truck on Thursday.

Mounties describe it as a triple-axle tanker with a two-tone red-and-white semi chassis, including a red hood and doors, white fenders and a white tank. Anyone who can identify the driver or has dash-cam footage from the area at that time is asked to contact Olds RCMP at (403) 556-3324.

The theft is among many similar incidents in Alberta as diesel prices climb to historic highs. Retail diesel averaged more than $2.64 per litre last week, up 59 per cent from before the Iran war and 15 per cent from November 2022, when the previous price record was set.

Supply disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have reduced energy output for seven months and counting. The critical waterway is effectively closed, and many crude refineries have cut production. In response to recent high-volume diesel thefts in Alberta, RCMP recommend that fuel stations install anti-siphoning devices in their ground-based tanks.

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.