Action against illegal LPG distributors

DUBAI - Dubai Gas, a subsidiary of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Emarat Gas Distribution (a division of Emarat),

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Sun 31 Aug 2003, 12:25 PM

Last updated: Tue 10 Jan 2023, 8:49 AM

Dubai Municipality and the Department of Civil Defence, Dubai have hit out at the illegal actions of some registered gas cylinder distributors in the UAE who have embarked on unauthorised cylinder filling and distribution operations.

The Municipality and Department of Civil Defence, Dubai recently confiscated and destroyed around 300 unauthorised and dangerous gas cylinders in Dubai.

The action has been initiated under Local Order No 27/1985 by the Dubai Municipality which stipulates certain requirements for storage, distribution and selling of LPG cylinders in the emirate.

Emirates Gas and Emarat Gas Distribution Ð the two major UAE LPG suppliers Ð say some distributors are going outside the UAE to fill cylinders or replace them with others, which do not meet UAE safety regulations, and then smuggling them back into the Emirates.

"This is an extremely dangerous practice," said Hussain Sultan, Group Chief Executive and Board Member, ENOC. "It is not only illegal but is hazardous to customers, and puts the credibility of official gas suppliers at risk. The Civil Defence and Municipal authorities are now taking action and have our full support."

Emirates Gas, a subsidiary of ENOC and one of the UAE's leading bottlers and supplier of LP Gas and Propane, along with Emarat Gas Distribution are vigorous exponents of customer safety in the storage, handling and use of LP Gas.

"Strict regulations govern LPG cylinder distribution due to potential risk of fire and explosion from a mishandled or substandard LPG cylinder," said Colonel Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Head of Civil Defense, Dubai. He warned that anyone violating the rules will face strong penal action since it endangers public safety and security.

Added Rashid Al Shamsi, General Manager, Emarat: "Official suppliers must abide by the rules and regulations that have been put in place to safeguard customers and the community. The products of bona fide suppliers and their distributors are clearly marked and customers should look for this seal of approval."

The inspections carried out at distributor storage depots and labour camps focused on checking whether the gas cylinders conformed to the Municipality safety regulations.