In a post on his Facebook page, Yasser Mehrez, Muslim Brotherhood media spokesman, called for concerted popular efforts to deal with community crises.

"The diesel crisis, for example, is a real challenge to the government and people of Egypt, and will only come to an end when all Egyptians unite and face up to the gangs behind widespread corruption and organized smuggling.

"I do invite and urge all Egyptians – parties, groups and movements – to immediately adopt a national campaign to stop this crime, which deprives the people of Egypt of their very livelihood."