Africa-Press – Angola. The Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute (IRDP) has announced the introduction of technological solutions, such as the mandatory use of GPS in tanker trucks and the digitalization of licensing processes, to reduce fraud and increase the efficiency of fuel smuggling controls in the country. The information was released last week in Luanda by the director of the institution, Luís Fernandes, when speaking on the topic “IRDP in the Regulation, Control and Inspection of Petroleum Derivatives Smuggling”, in a lecture promoted by the Attorney General’s Office (PGR).
The official explained that in the specific case of the province of Zaire, where smuggling is reaching worrying levels, the IRDP has implemented a measure that restricts the shipment of fuel from Luanda only to operators with stations located in that province. This measure aims to contain fuel diversion at the source.
The IRDP director stressed that, although there is strong coordination with the police forces and local authorities, effectively combating fuel smuggling requires greater commitment from all stakeholders, including economic operators.
The new Law on Combating Fuel Smuggling, recently approved, reinforces this measure by criminalizing conduct associated with the phenomenon and providing for the loss of the means used in the crimes to the State.
“Without effective control, subsidies no longer make sense and represent a loss of public money,” he stressed.
For Luís Fernandes, fuel smuggling is not only an economic issue, but also a threat to national security, which requires a coordinated and firm response from State institutions.
The official also stressed the need to strengthen the mechanisms for regulating and controlling the marketing of fuels in Angola, especially in border areas, where the phenomenon is most prevalent.
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