Yesterday marked a spike in the gasoline and diesel fuel crisis in governorates as some gas stations witnessed fights between drivers and employees because of the scramble to fill their tanks and jerrycans.
The use of smart cards is scheduled to start June 15.
In Damietta, the gasoline crisis worsened as a result of the shortage sent to the gas stations, which raised the prices of transmission. Cars and motorcycles lined up in front of gas stations causing a complete stop in traffic.
As a result of the shortage in diesel fuel, 40 percent of fishing boats have stopped operating, said Damietta fishermen captain Hamdy Gharabawy.
Microbus drivers raised the prices due to shortage in 80-octane petrol, said an employee.
Owners of gas stations said the crisis is due to the decrease of the governorate's share of 80-octane petrol.
In Kafr al-Sheikh fights occurred between microbus drivers and citizens due to increased fare.
Gamal Khamiso, a driver, said: "80-octane petrol disappeared completely from gas stations."
He added he resorted to the 92-octane petrol and raises the fare.
Khamiso said many drivers are confused and need to understand more about the smart cards system to be applied June 15.
Farmer Gamal Abdel Hady said shortage in diesel fuel has affected the rice cultivation in Kafr al-Sheikh. He called on the governor to solve the crisis.
In Monufiya, the practice of storing fuel in jerrycans has returned for some drivers and black market dealers. Altercations occurred between gas station workers and drivers who said the price of diesel fuel on black market increased LE3 per liter, forcing them to raise the fare.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
