File Photo: A gas station in Egypt. AFP
In a press conference at the government's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital following the cabinet's weekly meeting, Madbouly explained that Egypt's current refining system involves dealing with petrol and diesel shipments from several companies.
He noted that these shipments are typically tested by third-party labs not affiliated with the state. The shipment in question, continued Madbouly, passed the tests after one of those labs committed an error while testing the shipment.
In addition, Madbouly noted that the Minister of Petroleum has proposed a new system to prevent similar issues from reoccurring and that the government is committed to maintaining fuel quality and ensuring consumer safety.
In response to the incident, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed authorities to take legal action against those responsible for the error, including financial penalties and stricter oversight in coordination with the relevant agencies.
In May, many citizens complained of widespread damage to vehicle fuel pumps caused by faulty gasoline.
Between 4 and 9 May, 807 fuel samples were analysed in response to 870 complaints, mainly in Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia. After ten days of growing public concern, fuelled by social media reports, the findings revealed five gasoline samples that do not comply with Egyptian specifications. These included two samples in Greater Cairo, one in the Alexandria region, and two in Upper Egypt.
As a result, earlier in May, the Ministry of Petroleum offered up to EGP 2,000 in compensation to those whose cars had been affected by the non-compliant fuel.
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