EGPC launches nationwide crackdown on illegal fuel trade

The Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) has launched a wide-ranging regulatory and inspection campaign targeting fuel depots, gas stations, and LPG facilities nationwide.

The campaign, led by the Central Committee for the Oversight of Petroleum Products Circulation and its regional subcommittees, combines traditional field inspections with digital monitoring tools.

These include GPS tracking of fuel trucks, automatic tank gauging (ATG) at stations, and EGPC’s electronic monitoring platform—dramatically enhancing speed and accuracy in detecting violations.

In recent weeks, the committee conducted unannounced inspections at loading depots to compare actual loading volumes against electronic records, reviewed documentation procedures, enforced vehicle inspections, and identified safety infractions. It also inspected LPG cylinder plants and retail outlets to ensure proper filling weights and adherence to safety requirements.

Fuel stations underwent surprise audits in coordination with the Ministry of Supply, checking for water contamination in tanks, dispenser calibration, sales accuracy, and overall service quality. More than 4,000 fuel stations across Egypt were reviewed, and fuel samples were collected in response to public concerns over petrol quality.

Field reports and digital data revealed numerous violations, including illegal fuel acquisitions, diversion of shipments to unauthorised recipients, and manipulation of subsidised product quantities. Offences were documented in Greater Cairo, Alexandria, Upper and Lower Egypt, and the Suez Canal region, with cases referred to the Public Prosecution in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and supply authorities.

Among the most serious incidents:

  • A Mariouteya station illegally obtained over 500,000 litres of fuel and possessed equipment for pipeline theft.

  • An unlicensed station in Abu Hammad, Sharqia, was sourcing fuel illegally from nearby authorised depots.

  • In Edfu, a diesel smuggling attempt using a “Jumbo” truck endangered public safety.

  • In Matariya, Cairo, a station was caught selling over 25,000 litres of subsidised fuel illegally.

  • In Farskor, Damietta, a site was found storing 60,000 litres of gasoline and 1,433 litres of diesel, along with unmarked oil products.

  • A factory in Assiut was shut down for recycling used motor oil and forging popular oil brand labels, violating commercial fraud laws.

EGPC confirmed the committee will continue its monitoring operations with round-the-clock digital surveillance and unannounced field visits to tighten control over the petroleum supply chain and protect consumer access to high-quality fuel.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: M. S. Salama

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