The government has distributed 2.5m smartcards to be used in accessing petroleum products; the total target to be distributed to customers is 4.5m, according to president of Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) Tarek El-Molla. About 11,000 smartcard machines have been placed at gas stations in order for customers to use their cards to access fuel at the subsidised price. The price of one smartcard machine is EGP 3,000. The EGPC has automated 15 petroleum product companies operating in Egypt, in addition to 102 fuel depots. It has linked 2,646 gas stations within Egypt to the smart card system, automated 748 direct clients at 1,666 discharge points, in addition to 662 transport agents who own 6,968 trucks, tractors and trailers for transporting petroleum products. He explained that the use of smartcards at gas stations is not restricted to any amounts for citizens and the current prices remain the same. The main objective of the application of this electronic system is to tighten control of the transfer, handling and distribution of petroleum products to eliminate smuggling and ensure that subsidised fuel is distributed to those who deserve it, El-Molla stated. Consumers use smart cards to pay for fuel, and the movement of oil products has been added to the system. El-Molla encourages those using and benefiting from the system to coordinate in order to ensure that the plan is activated as soon as possible.
