With the continued rise in prices at gas stations, some gas station operators in the Greater Toronto Area say they are witnessing an increase in the number of drivers who fill up gas and flee without paying.

Media sources have learned of seven gas stations in West Toronto that have been subjected to theft incidents in recent weeks, including the Etobicoke station near Kipling and Dundas, where at least $1,000 worth of gasoline was stolen.

Attendees say the thefts are always caught on camera, but in some cases, the license plates are stolen.

One driver stole $200 worth of fuel while driving a truck with stolen plates, according to an employee at one of the stations. Police say they are investigating every incident and those caught face criminal charges, including theft.

More stations indicate that they may switch to prepayment only to avoid further theft incidents.

Prices are currently 184.9 cents/liter at most GTA stations, with another increase expected on Wednesday.

The previous record at pumps in Ontario was $1.61 per liter before last week's increase.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com, said: "Prices in Canada have already reached all-time record levels. This price increase of five to 15 cents per liter will continue over the next week or two. So the loss is equal, no matter where you are in the US or Canada."

The price of gasoline has already surpassed $2 per liter in British Columbia as Canadians across the country continue to see staggering numbers.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has pushed oil prices to levels not seen for at least eight years, as companies avoid Russian crude tankers and sanctions exclude some Russian banks from the global payment system, severely disrupting its exports.

Edited by: Dima Abu Khair