File photo of a fuel pump amid growing public outcry over petrol quality in Egypt. AP
Amid public concerns over allegations circulating on social media platforms that faulty gasoline was causing damage to fuel pumps, the ministry said it launched a four-pronged response through its emergency room.
This includes reviewing local and international fuel supply sources, inspecting major storage facilities, testing samples from fuel stations nationwide, and conducting additional sulfur level analysis.
In the past 48 hours, some motorists shared videos and posts on social media platforms of their vehicles after stalling or breaking down and claimed that "tainted 92-octane petrol" damaged fuel pumps.
One viral clip depicted a mechanic claiming he had replaced over ten fuel pumps in two days due to suspected tainted fuel.
The petroleum ministry said that its tests on samples of fuel shipments unloaded at Suez and Alexandria ports between 18 April and 3 May found that they met Egyptian specifications.
The ministry added that samples of domestically produced fuel during the same period also met quality compliance.
It said that internationally accredited labs tested 116 samples from 42 Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez fuel stations and confirmed that all samples met the required standards.
The petroleum ministry added that its inspection teams collected 230 samples from fuel stations nationally, and affiliated refining and distribution labs are testing them. The samples that have been tested met Egyptian standards, and the rest are being analyzed.
Moreover, the ministry indicated that further sulfur content tests began on 6 May, and results will be made public once completed.
It reaffirmed its commitment to fuel safety and quality throughout the supply chain, thanking citizens who reported issues via the government hotline (16528).
It was noted that all complaints were being reviewed, and samples would be collected from the reported fuel stations.
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