For decades, fuel smuggling and under-declaration quietly drained public revenue in The Gambia, undermining competition and trust across the petroleum supply chain. Today, a digital fuel integrity system is changing that narrative.

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) says its Fuel Integrity Marking Solution, rolled out last year in partnership with SICPA Gambia, has tightened control over the sector and closed loopholes that previously enabled illicit trade.

“Before this solution, revenue losses in the petroleum sector were enormous due to smuggling and under-declaration,” said GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe.

“Today, we are securing revenue while ensuring fairness for compliant fuel importers.”

The system works like a biological DNA trace for fuel. Every litre is marked with a unique chemical identifier that cannot be removed, diluted, or altered. This allows authorities to verify fuel authenticity at any point along the supply chain, from depots to retail stations.

Across the country, GRA teams conduct routine and surprise inspections using mobile analysers. Fuel samples are tested on the spot, and any deviation in marker concentration immediately flags adulteration or smuggling.

At a retail station in Lamin, mobile laboratory technician Foday Ceesay describes the process as both precise and efficient.

“We begin by confirming the volume supplied, then collect samples directly from the pumps for instant testing. Within minutes, we can determine whether the fuel is compliant,” he said.

Beyond enforcement, the initiative has strengthened accountability and transparency in fuel distribution, ensuring that fuel reaching consumers comes through legitimate channels.

SICPA Gambia’s General Manager, Momodou Clark Jarra, says the technology’s true value lies in restoring trust across the system.

“This solution creates confidence for the government, for fuel operators, and ultimately for consumers that the fuel they are buying is legitimate and properly regulated,” he said.

The programme has drawn regional attention. Earlier this month, a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority visited Banjul to study The Gambia’s approach as part of efforts to strengthen their own fuel compliance systems.

By Adama Makasuba