The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) is strengthening regulatory oversight of petroleum products trading to ensure companies and establishments maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational efficiency across storage, transportation, distribution and supply activities.

The initiative forms part of the Council’s regulatory and supervisory responsibilities and supports the implementation of Executive Council Resolution No. 85 of 2025 on the Regulation of Petroleum Products Trading in Dubai, as well as related resolutions, requirements and technical standards.

Ahmed Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products, said the resolution establishes an integrated framework designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of the petroleum products trading sector.

The framework regulates sector activities, strengthens compliance with safety and technical standards and addresses unauthorised practices.

Al Muhairbi said: “Compliance with regulatory, technical and safety standards remains a primary responsibility for all entities within the petroleum products trading sector. This requires companies to maintain the validity of all necessary licenses and permits, ensuring that facilities and transport methods strictly adhere to approved requirements. It also requires proper implementation of operations, maintenance and safety procedures aligned with defined requirements, along with maintenance of relevant records and documentation. Ultimately, this approach enhances operational safety, mitigates risks, and actively protects personnel, facilities, and the environment.”

The DSCE said effective operational practices begin with compliance with licensing requirements, approved product specifications and technical standards.

Companies are required to use authorised storage facilities and transport methods that meet safety requirements, while carrying out inspection and maintenance activities in line with approved procedures.

The Council also stressed the importance of properly trained personnel, accurate records and documentation, and strict adherence to safe operating procedures throughout the petroleum products supply chain.

Among the practices requiring particular attention are the use of unauthorised storage facilities or transport methods, violations of storage and transportation regulations, trading in products that fail to meet approved specifications, and inadequate documentation of product sources and movements.

Joint inspection campaigns conducted by the DSCE and relevant government entities have identified cases involving the storage or trading of diesel at unlicensed facilities and its transportation using methods that did not meet approved requirements.

The Council warned that such practices can create significant safety risks, including petroleum product leaks and potential environmental damage.

The DSCE has urged companies operating in the sector to ensure that all licences and permits remain valid and that petroleum products comply with UAE-approved specifications. Businesses have also been encouraged to use authorised storage facilities and compliant vehicles and transportation methods.

The Council highlighted the need for safe handling and transportation procedures, regular maintenance and inspections, and stronger emergency response capabilities across infrastructure and transport assets.

To strengthen enforcement, the DSCE continues to operate a permanent joint field inspection team for the petroleum products trading sector in coordination with relevant government authorities.

The initiative provides integrated oversight, supports compliance monitoring and helps identify unauthorised activities requiring action under applicable regulations.

The Council also conducts targeted inspections and monitoring campaigns, particularly in the diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sectors.

These efforts focus on verifying compliance with approved product specifications and improving operational safety.

Since beginning operations in July 2022, the permanent joint field inspection team has conducted 449 joint inspection campaigns in the LPG sector.

The campaigns are a key part of efforts to restrict unauthorised practices and strengthen adherence to safety requirements and regulations.

The DSCE said its approach combines regulation, field monitoring, inspections and coordination with companies and government authorities to create a safer and more organised petroleum products trading environment.

The measures are also aimed at protecting workers, infrastructure and the environment while improving the efficiency of Dubai’s energy sector.

The regulatory framework under Executive Council Resolution No. 85 of 2025 reflects Dubai’s broader focus on governance, transparency and effective oversight of petroleum products trading.

Through stronger enforcement and operational standards, the DSCE aims to curb illegal trading, reduce risks and support sustainable development while reinforcing Dubai’s application of international regulatory and operational best practices. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service