A Northern Rivers man charged over an alleged string of fuel drive-offs has been named, with his release on bail sparking community debate.

Dylan McPherson, 29, of Coraki, is accused of failing to pay for fuel on 15 occasions across Lismore, South Lismore and West Ballina.

Police will allege more than $2,000 worth of fuel was taken between February 1 and April 13.

The matter is before the courts and the allegations have not been proven.

McPherson was arrested about 7.20pm last Friday on Dibbs Street at Coraki.

He was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with 15 counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception and two counts of unlawfully possessing number plates.

Following a bail hearing, he is due to reappear before Lismore Local Court on May 18.

Bail conditions questioned

McPherson was granted conditional bail, with the requirement he be of good behaviour and not commit any further offences.

He was not required to provide a bond or surety.

The decision has drawn criticism online, with some questioning how a person facing multiple charges could be released.

Prominent Ballina resident Col Lee OAM wrote on Facebook: “One or two incidents maybe bail, but 15? The guy is an habitual thief and needs locking up,” he alleged.

Cost pressures and rising reports

The case comes amid growing reports from service station operators of an increase in fuel drive-offs.

Industry sources say rising fuel prices and broader cost-of-living pressures are putting motorists under strain.

Police have not suggested any link between those pressures and this specific case.

Statewide crackdown underway

At the same time, the NSW Government has ramped up a fuel pricing compliance blitz across the state.

NSW Fair Trading has re-inspected 628 service stations flagged for “red flag” behaviour, including those with previous fines or multiple consumer complaints.

The inspections have pushed the statewide total to nearly 3,000, with regional and remote locations — including the Northern Rivers — expected to be targeted next.

Authorities say almost 200 fines have now been issued, including penalties for price mismatches between the FuelCheck app and bowser prices.

Retailers face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, with court penalties of up to $110,000 for serious breaches.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said the crackdown was aimed at protecting motorists.

“These numbers show that as cost-of-living pressures ramp up, we will not back down,” he said.

NSW Fair Trading Executive Director Andrew Floro said retailers must ensure pricing accuracy.

“Accurate pricing isn’t optional. Retailers are legally required to ensure the prices on the app match the prices at the bowser,” he said.