Dubai ‘makes progress’ in fight against illegal diesel trade

A task-force made up of Dubai government entities and ENOC Group has made ‘steady progress’ in its efforts to curb the illegal trade of diesel in the emirate, according to the UAE’s state news agency, WAM.

Alongside energy company ENOC, the task-force is comprised of Dubai Economic Department, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Police.

The seven organisations have jointly been inspecting the quality of diesel being used by companies, with 38 per cent reporting compliance with the guidelines set by ESMA, said WAM.

However, 62 per cent of companies inspected are still in violation of the guidelines, and continue to use off-specifications quality diesel.

ENOC Group CEO, Saif Humaid Al Falasi, said: “We extend our appreciation to all members of the joint task-force for carrying out inspections to curb the usage of compromised quality diesel, and thus putting an end to illegal diesel trade.

“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 must comply with 10-PPM sulphur content and Euro 5 standard for diesel, which reduces harmful emissions significantly.

ENOC provides detailed lab reports for the diesel samples sourced from the companies inspected. The reports found several companies to still be in violation of legal specifications set under the Federal Cabinet Decision.

According to 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 ppm of sulphur, which is a direct violation of UAE law, added WAM.

As well as the sulphur content, some companies fell foul of the inspectors in other ways, including failing to present the required certifications from the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, and failing to show required employment permits and trade licenses. Other companies failed to comply with safety and security measures for diesel storage tanks.

The Road Transport Authority checked diesel tankers on highways for environment health and safety and vehicle registration, while the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation checked drivers’ ID, visa and other necessary permits.