Dubai clampdown on illegal diesel sales

Several companies have been fined as part of a sting operation tackling the illegal diesel trade.

DUBAI // Companies have been fined as part of a sting operation to tackle the illegal diesel trade.

Since the start of the year, four operations have taken place with raids on the activities of companies trading diesel illegally.

The companies were also found to be trading without the correct permits or they were not following regulations set down by their trade licence.

“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 chief executive, who is part of a Dubai joint committee investigating the problem.

“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 for the country’s economy, the environment and public health.”

Ahmad Bahrozyan, chief executive of the licensing agency at the Roads and Transport Authority, said the organisation’s daily vehicle inspection campaign was helping to control illegal activities and promote the Cabinet’s decision to use low-sulphur diesel.

The committee is made up of Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Department of Economic Development, Dubai Municipality, the RTA, Dubai Police and Enoc.

It swung into action after Cabinet decision no 37 of 2013 that requires traders and agents working in this sector to fully commit to the UAE’s laws and legislation.

The operations are set to run continuously.