Palmerston North-based company Levno has sensors on farm tanks of fuel, milk and water so farmers can track their levels on an app on their phones.
The company said there had been a 13.7% increase in what it called “suspicious withdrawal events” after 10pm in the three weeks to 1 April, compared to the same period the year before.
Chief executive Oscar Ellison said it was not proof of theft as such, as there could be legitimate explanations for withdrawals like contractors needing fuel for urgent farm work.
However, fuel thefts have reportedly risen around the country and prices edge closer to $4/litre.