As more and more people are looking to find alternative sources of energy for their cars, used vegetable oil is now being targeted for theft from restaurants around the United States.

Used vegetable can be used as biofuel for diesel cars. The grease is transformed into fuel through a chemical process called transesterification, removing glycerine and adding methanol to the oil, leaving a thinner product that can power a diesel engine.

Businesses that have been set up to pick up this grease are finding that the grease bins are empty or missing.

David Levenson, owner of a grease hauling business said:

“It’s like a war zone going on right now over grease. We’re seeing more and more people stealing grease because it lets them stay away from the pump, but it’s hurting our bottom line.”

The people that steal the grease are believed to be individuals that refine the grease themselves in backyard sills, hurting the businesses that are legally operating.

In order to manufacture biofuel legally producers must register with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and pay taxes for using the road.

In the end, I’m sure that authorities will work to find the thieves stealing the vegetable oil and prosecute them. Is nothing sacred?