Dubai Supreme Council of Energy intensifies inspections to curb illegal activities in the LPG sector

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) has conducted 449 joint inspections since July 2022 in a campaign to combat illegal activities in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector and enhance public safety and regulatory compliance. The inspections were conducted by the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, in collaboration with Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Civil Defence. These co-ordinated efforts uncovered 596 violations, leading to the confiscation of 12,367 illegally filled cylinders and the seizure of 519 unlicensed vehicles used to smuggle hazardous materials and cylinders containing petroleum products of unknown origin that failed to meet safety standards.

These results reflect the effectiveness of the permanent joint field inspection team formed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy under Resolution No. 1 of 2022, which aims to protect the environment and society and ensure the highest standards of security and safety in the trading, transport, storage and distribution of petroleum products.

DSCE Resolution No. 3 of 2021 prohibits the distribution of LPG cylinders in Dubai unless they are packaged in approved factories within the emirate, ensuring compliance with all standards and laws issued by local authorities. The decision also stipulates that all entities involved in trading LPG and its derivatives in Dubai must fully comply with the regulatory requirements governing this hazardous substance, whether transported through cylinders or tanks.

“These intensive campaigns implement the directives of our wise leadership aimed at ensuring the highest standards of security and safety for society, in line with national strategies that place human health and safety at the forefront of their priorities. The joint efforts with our strategic partners reflect our commitment to applying the most stringent standards to regulate this vital sector,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

“The DSCE’s intensive campaigns, conducted together with our strategic partners, translate directives to protect public safety and reinforce the security of the energy sector into action. They also reflect our keenness to apply international best practice in regulating petroleum trading operations, based on our responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” added Al Tayer.

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said: “We affirm our commitment to applying the highest safety and regulatory standards in the LPG cylinder distribution sector. We continuously monitor all activities to ensure compliance with approved laws and regulations, and to protect consumers from illegal practices.”

Burhan Al Hashemi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, said: “Intensifying inspection campaigns aligns with our ongoing efforts to control and regulate the distribution, storage and filling of domestic gas cylinders in a way that enhances communal safety and maintains a fair and regulated market environment. We extend our sincere appreciation to Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Civil Defence and other relevant authorities for their co-operation and efforts on the ground to protect individuals, society and organisations by developing strategies and legislation that regulate business practices in the sector and ensure the effective implementation of policies related to petroleum products trading.”

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has urged customers to purchase domestic gas cylinders exclusively from authorised distribution companies and to verify the authenticity of the filling seals on cylinder nozzles. It has also called on customers to check for the identification marks of approved filling plants and to keep purchase invoices to guarantee their rights.

The Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading has also encouraged owners of buildings, farms and estates to immediately report any confirmed or suspected use of their facilities for the illegal filling or distribution of gas cylinders, in order to protect lives and property from the risks posed by such dangerous practices. To report any suspected cases of counterfeit gas cylinders being filled in unauthorised locations within the emirate of Dubai, please contact the Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading via pp@dubaisce.gov.ae