Eight Dubai Government entities joined hands to examine 12 companies in the emirate involved in the unlawful trade of diesel. The evaluations happened over a two-day period in Ras Al Khor Industrial Area in Dubai from which a number of trading business and representatives were penalised for numerous infractions ranging from use of unsafe fuel centers to the illegal selling of diesel.

The committee consisted of a multi-sector partnership between the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dubai Civil Defence, Department of Economic Development in Dubai, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC).

According to requirements under Federal Cabinet choice no. 37 of 2013, organisations and individuals have to only market or use ultra-low sulphur diesel, consisting of less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur. Unlawful diesel, likewise referred to as 'grey diesel', is fuel which contains more than 10 parts per million of sulphur, and remains in direct offense of UAE law.

The diesel requirements set by ESMA fully comply with the Euro 5 standard for diesel, which serves to lower hazardous car emissions considerably and assists promote a healthier environment for the nation and its citizens.

"The UAE federal government's directive towards sustainability and adherence to increasingly greater environmental requirements are vital parts that drive the advancement of the UAE's socio-economic development. It remains in the interest of the nation, the people and the environment that the illegal diesel trade activities cease as it infringes on these values," specified H.E. Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC. "At ENOC, we remain committed to collaborating with key government authorities to curb illegal trading of diesel and taking the essential actions to remove significant economic and environmental losses," he added.

The assessments recognized a number of business in violation of legal specifications set under the Federal Cabinet choice. A few of the checked business did not present the needed certifications from ESMA, while others cannot reveal required work licenses and trade licenses to confirm the nature of their operations and line of business. Other companies cannot comply with safety and security measures for diesel storage tanks.

"Our intelligence suggests that the trade of this fuel is still growing after numerous raids were carried out over the last two years. The neglect of some critical EHSQ factors in the illegal trade of diesel can lead to significant ramifications and has a long lasting destructive impact on the environment, (including underground water methods) and public health. Our message to these vendors is to stop these activities instantly, or face even stricter charges for these unlawful actions," said Zaid Alqufaidi, Managing Director, ENOC Marketing.

During the evaluations, ESMA determined numerous abnormalities consisting of non-conformance to product requirements and standards. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reviewed work licenses for each staff member and fined companies who were unable to provide the required work paperwork upon the evaluations. The Civil Defence inspected the storage terminals and tankers and fined business who were in direction violations of safety and storage standards.

In addition, The Department of Economic Development fined business who were discovered in direct abuse of the Federal law. These were enforced after numerous abnormalities were found including trading without the required permits and trade licences. Some business were also fined for their violation of ecological preservation by the Dubai Municipality, while RTA conducted comprehensive vehicle evaluations to ensure their conformance to the requirements set by the authority.

The project will continue till it is clearly visible that organisations in the oil sector follow the policies and standards set by the UAE.

"The success of these sting operations is a satisfying advancement as it proves that a multi-stakeholder collaboration between essential Dubai authorities is once again effective, especially when the general public health and environmental factors to consider are jeopardized. I wish to extend our genuine thanks to all the participating entities," said Khalid Saad Al Fuhaid, Senior Manager, ENOC Industrial Products Marketing.

ENOC was the first to announce the intro of 'Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel' across its retail and business networks in the UAE in 2014.