UAE government entities are clamping down on the illegal trade of diesel in the country, via sting operations conducted as part of an ongoing joint inspection campaign.
Under the campaign, a committee of various Dubai government entities has fined several companies and agents involved in illegally selling diesel. The committee includes the Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (ESMA), Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police and the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC).
“Since the creation of the committee, four sting operations have been undertaken resulting in unravelling the illegal activities of several companies involving diesel that does not comply with the industry standards and specifications,” ENOC said in a statement.
Other violations include trading without obtaining necessary permits from concerned authorities, non-compliance with the trading activities prescribed in the trade license, and non-conformance to the specifications set by ESMA and other safety and environmental preservation and storage standards. The sting operations will continue until all companies adhere to the rules, the statement said.
“As the first country in the region to approve the standards of diesel, it is imperative that we take strict measures to ensure compliance with the highest levels of safety, quality and commitment to environmental standards,” said Saif Al Falasi, ENOC’s Group CEO.
“Close cooperation between ENOC and the different government entities will help regulate the oil derivatives market and limit illicit activities.”
Meanwhile, Alia Al Harmoudi, director of the Environment Department at Dubai Municipality, noted that the municipality’s environmental inspection and control team has been contributing to the campaign by monitoring fuel trading facilities to ensure that environmental standards for fuel storage are being met.
“All fuel types are classified under the category of hazardous merchandise that has to be managed in line with strict environmental terms and limitations,” Al Harmoudi said.
“All offenses were fined during the campaign and violators are now being checked to check if they have taken the necessary corrective measures according to a specific timeline.”
