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A stakeholder meeting led by ENOC Industrial Products Marketing at ENOC Headquarters was attended by representatives of Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology, Dubai Department of Economic Development, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality and Emarat. The meeting resolved to promote awareness on the importance of the new greener fuel standards. The stakeholders emphasised the need to take concerted action to ensure the security of supply and usage of the new ‘Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel,’ which is more environment-friendly and helps in reducing toxic vehicle exhaust emissions.

The stakeholders agreed on a roadmap and timelines to take collective action to promote ‘Ultra- low Sulphur Diesel’ usage, which is a far cleaner fuel than the diesel used in the region.

Saeed Khoory, Chief Executive Officer of ENOC, said: “We are thankful to all governmental agencies and our key stakeholders for their support in ensuring the implementation of the UAE Federal Cabinet decision number 37 for year 2013 regarding making the use of environment-friendly ‘Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel’ compulsory in the UAE. We have been working with the authorities to implement a mechanism to regulate the diesel market to limit irregularities and illegal activities. 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 & safety hazards.”

He added: “The UAE Federal Cabinet decision is a landmark move that underlines the ‘green economy for sustainable development’ vision announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. For the first time in the region, the UAE has now set a clear guideline on the standards to be followed in using diesel. With 90 per cent of the diesel used in the UAE going towards the transport sector and its demand growing by at least four per cent annually, it is important to take strong measures to ensure quality and environmental standards.”

The stakeholders decided to formally inform all relevant organisations, including diesel distributors, fleet owners and commercial diesel-vehicle users, urging them to register their products and obtain a certificate of compliance from ESMA in collaboration with DED. An inspection campaign will be held to ensure that the diesel used conforms to the new Federal standards from September 7, 2014.

Mr. Khoory explained that the concerted efforts by the governmental stakeholders and ENOC will help reduce the carbon footprint of the UAE, promote safe usage of diesel and bring value to the industry supply chain, which has been impacted adversely by illegal diesel vendors.

“In addition to the economic and safety benefits of using the environment-friendly diesel, adhering to the law will also bring long-term advantages to users as it will help reduce costly maintenance and extend vehicle and equipment life. To achieve these wide-ranging benefits, it is important that we have the full and continued support of the community. The campaign aims to engage the community with the ‘Green Vision’ of our country.”

In preparing for the inspection campaign, DED and ESMA will work jointly to clearly underline the specifications to be followed and also set firm guidelines reflecting the UAE Federal Cabinet decision.

The Dubai Civil Defence will inspect fuel tanks, equipment and fuel tankers to ensure that they meet the security and safety requirements, with fines to be levied on violators. Dubai Municipality will also join in the inspection of diesel storage sites and ensure that all permits are in place in relation to the installation and use of fuel tanks.

All diesel samples collected will be inspected at laboratories certified by DED and ESMA. The diesel that does not conform to the standards will be confiscated.

Nader Al Fardan, Senior Manager of EIPM, said: “We thank DED and participating governmental stakeholders for their support in implementing the Federal Cabinet decision no. 37 of 2013. The inspection campaign, which commences on September 7, will limit the irregularities and illegal activities conducted by a number of companies that distribute diesel fuel without consideration for safety and not following the required standards.”

“The joint cooperation between government entities and national oil companies is very important to regulate the diesel market, and to limit irregularities and illegal activities that have a negative impact on the economy and environment as well as on public safety. Since 2008, ENOC was one of the first companies in the region to provide the ultra-low-sulphur diesel (50 ppm), as a part of its strategy to conserve the environment and meet the needs of our customers,” he added.

As of July 1, 2014 ENOC has been the first organisation in the region to commence the sale of ‘Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel’ across its retail and commercial networks. The service station staff members also advise customers on the benefits of the new diesel fuel.

As part of its commitment to the community, environment, health, safety and quality, ENOC is currently absorbing the additional cost involved in distributing the low-emission diesel. Set by the European Union, the Euro 5 standard ‘Green Diesel’ ensures that emissions from vehicles are limited and are significantly less than emissions when using conventional fuels.