Dubai: Task-force makes steady progress in curbing illegal diesel trade

A joint task-force comprising six Dubai Government entities and ENOC Group is taking concerted efforts to curb illegal trade of diesel in Dubai, which have seen steady progress in recent months.

The task-force includes representatives of Dubai Economic Department, Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization, Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology, Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police and ENOC Group.

An estimate 38% of the companies inspected reported compliance with the guidelines set by Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) regarding the quality of diesel used.

Despite these reported improvements, the inspections revealed that 62% of companies are still in violation of the guidelines; and continue to use wrong specifications for quality diesel.

Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC, said: “With security and safety being a key pillar of the Dubai Plan 2021, it is imperative that we fulfil all obligations and ensure that only high-quality products are sold and used. This is important to the uphold the environmental, health and safety and health standards for the well-being of the nation and the community.”

ESMA specifies that diesel used must comply with 10-PPM sulphur content and Euro 5 standard for diesel, which reduces harmful emissions significantly and helps promote a healthier environment for the country and its people. ENOC provides detailed lab reports for the diesel samples sourced from the companies inspected.

The inspections identified that several companies are still in violation of legal specifications set under the federal Cabinet decision. Some of the inspected companies still failed to present the required certifications from the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, while others failed to show required employment permits and trade licenses to validate the nature of their operations and line of business. Other companies failed to comply with safety and security measures for diesel storage tanks.

In efforts to put in place a more comprehensive inspections process, The Road Transport Authority (RTA) checked diesel tankers on highways for Environment Health & Safety (EHS) and vehicle registration, while The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation kept a clear record on drivers’ ID, visa and other necessary permits.

According to the Federal Cabinet decision no. 37 of 2013, organisations must only distribute ultra-low sulphur diesel, containing less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur. Illegal diesel contains more than 10 parts per million of sulphur, which is a direct violation of UAE law.

The inspections will continue until it is clearly visible that all distributors adhere to the regulations and standards set by the UAE.