Iraq says GPS tracking system cut fuel tanker smuggling by more than 95%

BAGHDAD — A GPS-based tracking system for fuel tankers has reduced petroleum product smuggling by more than 95%, Iraq’s Oil Ministry said Wednesday, describing the technology as one of the key achievements of its distribution governance program.

Rafid Sadiq, media director at the Oil Products Distribution Company, said all government and private tankers have been linked to the system, which monitors vehicles “from the moment of departure to the moment of unloading,” including recording stops during transport. The system was implemented in cooperation with Al-Salam General Company at the Ministry of Communications.

The announcement follows a broader crackdown on fuel smuggling. Energy Police Director General Dhafer al-Husseini has said illicit fuel trade has dropped by up to 98% and pipeline violations have been “completely closed.” In 2025, security forces seized more than 27 million liters of petroleum products, captured 995 vehicles and dismantled 58 smuggling sites. In January, 19 suspects were arrested and 15 tankers seized in Anbar raids, along with around 437,000 liters of petroleum products.