High-ranking officials from Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) have met with governmental stakeholders to discuss the implementation of UAE Federal Cabinet decision number 37 of 2013, mandating the use of Euro 5 diesel.
The talks, which were led by ENOC Industrial Products Marketing (EIPM) at ENOC’s headquarters, were attended by representatives from the Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (ESMA), Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, and Emarat.
Participants discussed the importance of the latest greener fuel standards, and emphasised the need to take concerted action to ensure the security of supply and usage of ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD). During the meeting, attendees agreed on a roadmap and timelines to take collective action to promote ULSD usage.
“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,” commented Saeed Khoory, chief executive officer of ENOC.
“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 and safety hazards,” he added.
Stakeholders decided to formally inform all relevant organisations, including diesel distributors, fleet owners, and commercial diesel-vehicle users, that they must register their products and obtain certificates of compliance from ESMA, which is working in conjunction with DED.
“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% of the diesel used in the UAE going towards the transport sector, and its demand growing by at least 4% annually, it is important to take strong measures to ensure quality and environmental standards,” Khoory explained.
The news comes just two months after ENOC’s decision to begin the roll-out of ULSD at its Dubai service stations. At the time, the company revealed that as part of its commitment to encourage motorists to make the switch, it would absorb the additional cost associated with Euro 5-compliant diesel.
As part of the latest roadmap for change, an inspection campaign will be embarked upon from 7 September 2014 to ensure that the diesel being used on UAE roads conforms to the latest federal standards.
