Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has signed an agreement that will make environmentally friendly diesel mandatory nationwide.
In line with a Cabinet decision made last year, Enoc will help to ensure the supply and use of the ultra-low sulphur diesel to reduce harmful emissions, state news agency Wam reported.
Saeed Khoory, Enoc chief executive, said the move would benefit the environment and the UAE economy as low-standard diesel was often obtained illegally.
“We have been working with the authorities to implement a mechanism to regulate the diesel market to limit irregularities and illegal activities,” he said.
The use of low-standard diesel is also a health and safety hazard, he noted.
Last year, 85 cases of diesel smuggling were recorded in the UAE by the Federal Traffic Council.
Among them were 48 cases in Abu Dhabi, 11 in Dubai, 15 in Ajman, five in Sharjah and six in Ras Al Khaimah.
In some cases diesel was smuggled out of the UAE. The council said those caught smuggling hazardous materials could be jailed if they put lives in danger and face fines of up to Dh30,000.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
