What started as a few scattered complaints has now grown into a national headache. Egyptian drivers are fed up, confused, and rightfully angry because something is clearly wrong with the petrol.

Over the past few days, car owners across the country have been reporting serious problems after filling up their tanks. Engines misfiring, fuel pumps failing, and mechanics confirming the worst: the petrol itself may be to blame.

Fake Fuel? Damaged Cars and Real Consequences

Social media was the first to explode with posts from frustrated drivers. Many said they had to replace fuel pumps or deal with sudden breakdowns after refueling. Some even claimed mechanics confirmed their fuel was “maghshoush” — fake or adulterated.

The most affected areas? Reports have been especially high from Alexandria, Cairo, and parts of Upper Egypt. And the damage isn’t cheap. Replacing a fuel pump can cost thousands of pounds, not to mention the stress of having your car out of service for days.

So What’s the Government Doing About It?

With public panic growing, the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade stepped in. They launched nationwide inspections, targeting gas stations selling 80, 92, and 95 octane fuel. A total of 268 samples were collected, including 49 from Alexandria alone.

Initial lab tests suggested the fuel met national safety standards. But the Ministry didn’t stop there. They sent the samples for additional testing in specialized labs to rule out any possibility of contamination or fraud.

Minister of Supply, Dr. Sherif Farouk, made it clear: anyone caught selling fake or poor quality fuel will be held accountable. He also urged citizens to report any suspicious fuel station through the ministry’s hotline or official channels.

The Law Is Clear: Fuel Fraud Has Consequences

In Egypt, selling adulterated gasoline is not a small offense. Under current law, those found guilty face prison sentences between one to five years, and fines ranging from EGP 5,000 to EGP 30,000, or even more depending on the value of the tainted fuel sold.

Yet, despite the threat of legal consequences, people are still asking the same question. How did this happen in the first place?

People Aren’t Convinced — And They Shouldn’t Be

While official statements say the fuel is clean, drivers are still suffering the consequences. Mechanics are overwhelmed. Spare parts for fuel pumps are flying off shelves. And trust in Egypt’s fuel system is wearing thin.

Some believe the issue is not just in the stations, but in the transport and storage process, where tampering could be happening outside of the ministry’s oversight. Others are calling for a public release of all lab test results and transparency about which stations were tested and cleared.

What You Can Do If You Suspect Bad Petrol

If your car starts acting up after refueling — think engine knocking, weak acceleration, or strange exhaust — do not ignore it. Head to a certified mechanic and keep a copy of your diagnosis or repair bill.

More importantly, report it. The Ministry of Supply has asked drivers to submit complaints with details on where they filled up and what issues they faced. Your report could help identify a fraudulent station and prevent further damage to others.

So… WTF Is Going On?

Right now, we have a gasoline system under pressure, drivers without answers, and damage that has already been done. The government says it is handling it. But the public wants more than reassurance — they want action, accountability, and clean fuel.

Until then, Egyptian drivers remain on edge every time they pull up to the pump.