Impact Evaluation of Criminal Justice System’s Interventions on the Supply Chain and Smuggling of Petroleum Products and Derivatives

In today’s world, effective planning to reduce smuggling through the control of the petroleum products and derivatives supply chain has become a necessity. To safeguard these programs and mitigate smuggling, criminal enforcement measures have been incorporated. The experience of advanced countries in managing oil resources indicates that an “efficient petroleum supply chain control system” must be based on logistical design and smart supervision to ensure transparency across all stages, including supply, production, import, distribution, retail, purchase, sale, storage, and transportation. Within such a system, violations of domestic regulations or unauthorized activities would be effectively prevented. Various offenses, along with associated crimes and risks, have been criminalized under the criminal justice system. The reduction of smuggling and the efficiency of the petroleum products and derivatives supply chain control system depend on the proper functioning of judicial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and relevant organizations. The findings of this study highlight numerous shortcomings in the current criminal regulations, which hinder the achievement of key objectives—namely, preventing smuggling and improving supply chain control. These deficiencies are particularly evident in areas such as monitoring the distribution and transportation of petroleum products, creating complexities in managing these operations. Therefore, it is essential to revise criminal laws and leverage modern surveillance technologies to minimize violations, ensure economic security, and reduce smuggling.