UAE government, ENOC collaborate to mandate green diesel usage
A joint governmental panel in the UAE has launched an inspection campaign to ensure the nation-wide use of green diesel, in compliance with the UAE Federal Cabinet’s decision number 37 of 2013. ENOC is collaborating with the panel, which consists of various governmental bodies such as the Dubai Municipality, Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology […]
A joint governmental panel in the UAE has launched an inspection campaign to ensure the nation-wide use of green diesel, in compliance with the UAE Federal Cabinet’s decision number 37 of 2013.
ENOC is collaborating with the panel, which consists of various governmental bodies such as the Dubai Municipality, Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (ESMA), Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and Dubai Civil Defence (DCD).
The panel recently agreed on a roadmap and timelines aiming to promote the use of Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel. Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel is a cleaner version of the fuel and is known to reduce toxic vehicle exhaust emissions.
The move comes in line of the UAE government’s decision to mandate the use of green fuel across the country.
“For the first time in the region, the UAE has set a clear guideline on the standards to be followed in using diesel, and we are working with the authorities to implement a mechanism to regulate the diesel market to limit irregularities and illegal activities,” Saeed Khoory, chief executive officer of ENOC said.
“With 90% of the diesel used in the UAE going towards the transport sector and its demand growing by at least 4% annually, it is important we take strong measures to ensure quality and environmental standards,” Khoory continued.
Diesel distributors, fleet owners and users of commercial vehicles which use diesel will be informed about the new practice by the panel, which will also urge the relevant parties to obtain compliance certificates from ESMA, in collaboration with DED.
DED and ESMA will jointly prepare the technical specifications to be followed by the industry. Fuel tanks, equipment and fuel tankers will be inspected by the DCD to ensure they meet all new security and safety requirements, and violators will be fined for non-compliance with the new standards.
The Dubai Municipality will also inspect diesel storage sites to ensure all permits regarding the installation and use of fuel tanks have been received by fuel providers.
Khoory said he hopes the panel’s efforts will reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint and contribute to a sustainable diesel supply chain in the region.
Poor quality diesel is typically “sourced from illegal vendors”, and Khoory warned against purchasing such products to protect the economy and environment.
“The use of low-standard diesel, often sourced from illegal vendors, not only impacts the economy negatively but also leads to environmental degradation and health and safety hazards,” he added.
All diesel samples collected will be inspected at laboratories certified by DED and ESMA. Diesel samples which do not meet government standards will be confiscated.
