Oversight sources revealed to Zaman al-Wasl that the amount of embezzlement related to the manipulation of fuel temperatures at government-run gas stations in Syria has exceeded $2.5 million in initial estimates, in addition to nearly $1 million at diesel distribution centers in Damascus and its surrounding countryside (half a million dollars of the total amount was attributed to 17 state-run stations in Damascus).
According to the sources, the violations affected several major centers, including the Dummar, Sahnaya, and Qatana centers, as well as the Qadam 202 and 203 depots, where tens of thousands of liters were smuggled to the black market. These centers are directly responsible for supplying vital sectors of the country, including bakeries, healthcare, telecommunications, and water.
Sources confirmed that the root of the problem lies in the directive issued by the Director of Operations and Maintenance at the fuel company in January 2025, mandating a minimum apparent temperature of 15 degrees Celsius upon receipt. Technical and administrative bodies deemed this decision ill-conceived, opening the door wide to manipulation of quantities and the creation of discrepancies that were then exploited illicitly.
The sources added that following repeated warnings from Zaman al-Wasl and the publication of several reports on thefts occurring at government-run stations, the directive was rescinded in March 2026. However, this came only after significant financial losses and clear damage to the distribution system.
The oversight sources indicated that the inspection committee from the Central Authority for Control and Inspection, tasked with the investigation, is currently under considerable pressure to limit the scope of the investigation. There are clear attempts to shield certain individuals from accountability and remove them from the circle of accusation, despite the data and documents pointing to their direct responsibility in this matter.
Zaman Al Wasl
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