EGPC uncovers fuel smuggling, safety breaches in inspections in Sept

Egypt’s General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) uncovered significant violations during inspection campaigns in the second week of September, including fuel smuggling, safety breaches, and unlicensed distribution outlets, the petroleum ministry said Monday.

Authorities seized two fuel stations in Minya that had diverted approximately 728,000 litres of diesel and gasoline for smuggling to the Sudan. The operators were fined 23 million Egyptian pounds, and two police reports were filed, the EGPC said. Inspectors also intercepted a tanker truck transporting petroleum products to illegal outlets in violation of regulations.

In Minya and San El-Hagar, more than 10 unlicensed outlets were shut down for selling subsidised petroleum products without permits or safety measures. EGPC coordinated with local authorities and supply directorates to remove the illegal outlets and initiate legal action.

The inspections spanned 17 fuel stations across several governorates and an LPG cylinder filling plant in Kafr El-Sheikh. At one Minya station, investigators detected manipulation of dispensing nozzles.

Safety hazards were identified at multiple sites, including damaged electrical insulation, exposed wiring, poorly maintained electrical panels, violations in firefighting equipment, and waste accumulation. EGPC directed the concerned marketing companies to promptly address the violations.

Separately, the EGPC General Security Department carried out surprise inspections in Banha, Kafr El-Dawar, the Red Sea, and Mostorod petroleum areas to verify security readiness and safety measures. Reports were submitted, and corrective actions were initiated.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser