New Digital Fuel Tracking System Aims to Curb Smuggling in Egypt

A month-long pilot of a new digital fuel tracking system will begin in Port Said on November 1st, 2026, using vehicles’ electronic traffic stickers to monitor fuel distribution and help detect smuggling and diversion of petroleum products.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the trial period will also give vehicle owners who have not yet installed electronic traffic stickers time to comply, while allowing authorities to complete coverage of fuel stations across the governorate. The ministry added that the system will not affect fuel prices or the quantities dispensed to motorists.

Developed in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the platform will collect and analyse refuelling data across the distribution chain, from supply points to the end consumer. It is designed to flag unusual consumption patterns and support inspections at fuel stations and other distribution points.

The pilot builds on existing digital monitoring tools already used across the fuel sector, including GPS tracking for tankers, automated measurements of station tanks and electronic monitoring of fuel shipments.

According to the ministry, these systems are intended to detect irregularities, improve inventory management and reduce losses, with previous inspection campaigns uncovering large-scale fuel smuggling operations.