Sting busts illegal diesel trade in UAE

A new sting operation, as part of the ongoing joint inspection campaign organised by a committee of various Dubai government entities, has fined several companies and agents involved in illegal trade of diesel in the UAE.

The campaign, was announced at the beginning of the year, following a meeting held by the concerned authorities - Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority ( RTA ), Dubai Police and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC).

The committee decided to take joint measures regarding the activation of the UAE Federal Cabinet decision No. 37 of 2013 that requires traders and agents working in this sector to fully commit to the UAE's laws and legislations in effect.

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. Other violations include trading without obtaining necessary permits from concerned authorities in the emirate, or non-abidance with the trading activities prescribed by the trade license.

Through this campaign, Dubai Government entities are taking strong actions against violators, with fines being imposed when any irregularities are found, including non-conformance to the specifications and standards set by ESMA and other associated safety and environmental preservation and storage standards. The sting operations will continue until all companies active in this vital sector adhere to the related laws and regulations.

Saif Al Falasi, ENOC's Group Chief Executive Officer, said, "We thank all government entities and stakeholders for their invaluable support in achieving the campaign goals, which supports the UAE's efforts towards achieving the 'Green Economy for Green Development' initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

"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. Undoubtedly, close cooperation between ENOC and the different government entities will help regulate the oil derivatives market and limit illicit activities that have negative implications on the country's economy, the environment and public health," Al Falasi added.

Ahmad Bahrozyan, Chief Executive Officer of Licensing Agency at RTA , said, "The daily vehicle inspection campaigns by RTA constitute a very important part of its efforts towards controlling and issuing violations against illegal activities. The team is present at eight vital locations across Dubai, in addition to the dedicated land plot at Al Hubab area for vehicle impoundment. RTA strives to cooperate with all government entities, each according to its respective jurisdiction, by taking part in similar inspection campaigns. The joint committee hopes to control the irregularities and contraventions in the diesel trading sector, which fully supports the UAE cabinet decision to use the new, low-sulphur diesel."

Alia Al Harmoudi, Director of the Environment Department at Dubai Municipality, pointed out, "The campaign has been successful due to the concerted efforts of the participating entities, including Dubai Municipality, as they bear the responsibility of inspecting and controlling industrial and service facilities within the boundaries of Dubai. Such measures enable the concerned authorities to verify compliance levels with the adopted environmental laws and legislations issued with the aim of protecting the multiple environmental elements- namely, air, water and soil."

Zaid Alqufaidi, Managing Director of ENOC Marketing, said, "Several serious violations were recorded during the joint inspection campaign, and Dubai government entities played a key role in controlling these violations and imposing the due penalties against offenders according to their jurisdictions. This initiative would not have been so successful without the concerted efforts and advanced levels of coordination among all the involved entities. The continuity and persistence of such campaigns have definitely limited the irregularities both in numbers and quality."

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.