The Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), the state-owned public radio and television broadcaster of Greece, has faced criticism this week for broadcasting a segment teaching viewers step-by-step how to steal petrol from a car.
Fuel prices have steadily climbed in Greece in recent months, with unleaded petrol prices reaching over €2.50 on Rhodes and neighbouring islands and €2.37 per litre on average in Athens on Wednesday.
“It’s not something terribly complicated … you don’t even need a special tube, even a hose for balconies will do,” explained reporter Costas Stamou, as he provided theft tips during the eyebrow raising segment in ERT’s morning news programme ‘Syndeseis’.
A car repairman who had been invited to join Stamou for the segment provided a quick tutorial that demonstrated how easy it is to siphon petrol from the fuel tank, before showing viewers exactly where the fuel tank can be pierced in order to steal the contents should the first method prove to be too difficult.
“Are you guys in your right mind? Giving people tips on stealing gasoline?” posted one viewer on Twitter.
“After the tutorial on two ways to easily steal gasoline, ERT is now preparing new how-to’s on how to open locks and steal wallets,” tweeted another.
Greece’s annual inflation rate hit a 29-year record in May at 11.3%.
Despite the building pressure however, Greek authorities have refused call to cut fuel tax, instead offering €30-€50 subsidies to less well-off car and motorcycle owners.
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