EGPC detects major fuel smuggling, safety violations in nationwide inspections
Updated 8/12/2025 1:02:00 PM
Arab Finance: The Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) has uncovered a series of violations during extensive monitoring campaigns aimed at controlling the distribution of petroleum products and preventing market manipulation, as per a statement.
According to the authority, inspections carried out by its central committee for trading control during the first week of August led to the detection of smuggling operations, black market sales, safety breaches, and non-compliance with technical standards at various fuel and gas distribution outlets across several governorates.
In Minya, a large-scale smuggling operation involving around 633,000 liters of diesel and gasoline worth EGP 19 million was uncovered at a gas station. In a separate incident in the same governorate, a transport vehicle was seized for collecting diesel from stations and reselling it on the black market.
In Cairo, authorities arrested a citizen in possession of gasoline of unknown origin, packaged in bottles for public sale. Tests revealed that the fuel did not meet specifications and contained impurities.
In Sohag, an oil warehouse was seized containing 1,273 containers of oil with no documentation proving their source or quality.
Inspections of a butane gas cylinder filling plant in Suez revealed serious safety violations, including the failure to test empty cylinders before filling and the preparation of damaged cylinders for use. The facility was ordered to correct the issues immediately.
In Alexandria, five butane gas distribution warehouses located in residential areas were cited for lacking fire extinguishers and failing to meet connection and cooling system specifications.
Reviews of 11 gas stations in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, Gharbia, Dakahlia, Sharqia, and Minya uncovered multiple violations, including the operation of an incomplete station in Ataqa, Suez, without safety compliance, leading to its closure until standards are met.
Another station was found in Minya in poor technical condition, with non-compliant diesel pumps and guns, while some stations were cited for lacking fire extinguishers and having unsafe electrical connections.
In response to citizen complaints, the committee investigated a fuel station in Cairo, reviewed surveillance footage, and documented the findings. Legal measures were taken against those involved in smuggling, tampering, and black market sales, with cases referred to the Public Prosecution.
The inspections also covered the operational systems of marketing companies, ensuring tanker movements were tracked via GPS, reviewing fuel balances through the ATG system, and checking documentation at loading warehouses in the Mex Petroleum Zone.
As part of proactive measures, the committee held awareness seminars for station managers and workers in Cairo on safety, customer service, and emergency handling.
The EGPC noted that not all findings were negative—four fuel stations in Cairo and Alexandria were commended for full compliance with operational standards, maintaining a strong general appearance, and providing quality service to the public.
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