Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), issued Directive No. 3 of 2021 on the regulation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) trade to preserve the environment and society by following the strictest safety and security requirements. This comprises LPG transportation, storage, and distribution through cylinders or transport tanks.

The Directive states that it is illegal to distribute LPG cylinders in Dubai unless they are loaded at the Emirate's authorized LPG plants. This guarantees that all norms and rules imposed by local governments are followed.

The DSCE emphasized in its Directive the obligation of getting its authority to grant the license to fulfill all clearances and requirements from government agencies in the Emirate, according to their respective needs. The DSCE will cooperate with government officials to plan joint inspection campaigns to ensure that the workers in this industry implement the Directive and adhere to the highest safety and security requirements.

“With this Directive, we describe the regulatory regime, policies, and rules for LPG trade in Dubai, in compliance with the highest worldwide standards in this area.” We also endeavor to regulate company operations and put in place the most stringent international security and safety measures. We seek to guarantee that LPG is transported, stored, and distributed in compliance with UAE regulations. “We applaud all authorities engaged in this sector's regulation,” stated Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE.

The DSCE is the sole institution in Dubai responsible for carrying out all tasks and powers under Federal Law No. (14) of 2017 and the decisions announced thereunder, in particular, granting permits for trading in petroleum products in Dubai and determining the petroleum materials that may be exchanged, the activities associated therewith, and controlling and inspecting the facilities authorized to deal in this regard. This is focused on Federal Law No. (14) of 2017 governing the supervision of petroleum product trade and Decree No. 8 of 2020 establishing the competent organization in the Emirate of Dubai in charge of executing Federal Law No. (14) of 2017.

The Directive further says that permits to sell LPG and its components in Dubai must be issued or renewed with the written consent of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE). This verifies the supplier has a legitimate contract with the licensed bottling factories in the Emirate, demonstrating dedication to safety and security criteria,” said Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the DSCE and Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to the members of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products for their attempts to protect persons, society, and organizations. This is accomplished through guaranteeing the proper implementation of regulations governing the trade and inspection of petroleum products,” stated Burhan Al Hashemi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products.

Last year, Enoc Group subsidiary Emirates Gas and Emarat mutually launched a new seal for LPG cylinders which not only improves user safety but also ensures the availability of genuine goods, promotes market operating efficiency and protects consumer rights.

The integrated Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC, seal incorporates several new aspects, including color, substance, hologram position, and a distinctive registration number, and tamper-proof characteristics.

The new logo is green in color and bears the holograms of Emirates Gas and Emarat, each with a unique identification number placed horizontally on the shrink seal to prevent unauthorized distributors from illegally distributing LPG cylinders. But unlike the previous LPG cylinder seal, the new seal has an aluminum foil cover that cannot be duplicated or reused after it has been opened once.

Customers must also obtain a verified VAT invoice from the distributor for each transaction, following the UAE Government laws, which could be used as proof if a complaint is filed. Emirates Gas and Emarat are now the only two government-approved firms permitted to fill LPG cylinders at their Dubai bottling facility. LPG cylinders are combustible and must be fully inspected before each refilling to guarantee there is no leakage and no safety issues such as cylinder protrusion, which can lead to unintended accidents.