EGYPT: Petrotrade to manage oil waste from 2,400 companies and industries

In Egypt, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) has entrusted the management of petroleum and mineral oil waste from around 2,400 companies and industrial establishments to the Egyptian company Petrotrade. The aim is to reduce the risks associated with the disposal of this waste in free trade zones and investment zones.

The partnership agreement was signed on 5 June 2023 by Yasser Abbas, Deputy Director General of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and Basem El-Sabag, Deputy Chairman of Petrotrade Company for Trading Affairs. It aims to regulate the disposal of petroleum waste and used mineral oils in Egypt’s free zones and investment zones. This is in line with the legislation in force in Egypt, for the continuous and sustainable improvement of the environmental protection framework, based on clear performance indicators.

According to Gafi, around 2,400 companies and industrial establishments are involved in this project. “We will require these companies to hand over their hazardous petroleum and mineral oil waste to Petrotrade. We will also provide the Egyptian company with data and information on the companies, so that it can make them aware of the danger that hazardous oil waste represents for the environment”, says Gafi.

Oil spills affect marine fauna both offshore and along the coast. Humans are no less affected, with skin irritations and the risk of cancer.

Petrotrade is committed to providing its services “at competitive prices to companies operating under the Gafi umbrella, in addition to offering an environmental incentive and an environmental certificate to companies that adhere to the requirements and controls for the safe disposal of oil waste”.

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Petrotrade’s contract also covers the preparation of an elaborate system for handling, managing and processing petroleum materials and waste, as well as combating all forms of environmental pollution and the illegal trafficking of hazardous petroleum waste in Egypt.