A system for tracking fuel in a fuel distribution network is provided. The system includes a plurality of tracking devices disposed at a plurality of fuel transport locations including a supplier fuel storage location, a mobile fuel storage location, a stationary fuel storage location and a vehicle fuel location, wherein each tracking device is configured to read in real time the digital tag by receiving a radiation emission spectrum associated with the fuel identification information as the fuel is transported through the plurality of fuel transfer locations. The digital tag includes information about the fuel.