Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, accompanied by the President of the Audit Bureau, Khaled Shakshak and several government ministers, participated in the workshop dedicated to the experimental launch of the fuel distribution system and the prevention of its smuggling. The system is prepared by researcher Mohamed Amer, with the participation of Al-Namaa Oil Investment Company and Brega Oil Marketing Company.
The researcher gave a power point presentation on the system and the field study he conducted on a number of petrol stations in the municipality of Sebha. He explained the positives and the various challenges in the electronic system, and the target parties for technical and administrative implementation.
Electronic fuel outlet valves on delivery trucks controlled by HQ
The anti-fuel smuggling system involves converting the fuel outlet valves on fuel delivery trucks from simple mechanical valves that can be opened by anyone at any time, to electronic valves that can only be opened at the targeted petrol station.
The system also includes an electronic fuel gauge to measure the amount of fuel delivered, electronically sealed fuel inlets and control cameras fitted to the delivery truck.
In parallel to this, an electronic gauge is to be installed at the fuel tanks in petrol stations.
Fuel consumption quotas for citizens and unsubsidized prices for foreigners
Moreover, the very ambitious system involves the tracking of fuel trucks and fitting electronic fuel pumps at petrol stations that can identify if the refuelling citizen’s car has used up its allotted fuel consumption quota, if it is reported as stollen, or if it belongs to a foreigner.
Foreigners will pay a higher unsubsidized price for petrol. Quotas are the average worked out by the government of how much fuel the average Libyan citizen consumes per day/week/month/year. Fuel consumption quotas are part of the government’s plans to reform fuel subsidies by paying citizens directly the average amount of fuel they consume while raising fuel prices. This is to reduce the abusive consumption and smuggling of fuel across Libya’s porous borders.
In his intervention at the workshop, Aldabaiba stressed his keenness to participate in the contributions of Libyan youth to societal issues, pointing to the importance of this system in light of the government’s efforts to regulate fuel distribution and combat smuggling of all kinds. He directed the need for the system to include all parties benefiting from fuel, including the General Electricity Company to control their needs.
Formation of a technical committee
The Prime Minister directed the formation of a technical committee from all relevant authorities to evaluate the system and the practical steps to be taken to ensure its implementation throughout the country.
