UAE makes ‘Green Diesel’ mandatory

Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) yesterday announced that all service stations in the Enoc/Eppco network are now providing the ultra-low sulphur ‘Green Diesel.'
This follows the U.A.E. Federal Cabinet decree aimed at raising the U.A.E.'s standards of diesel fuel from 500ppm to 10ppm, whereby all commercial diesel vehicles and equipment motorists are to use the ultra-low-sulphur diesel that matches Euro 5 standards. The decree has been aimed at promoting the U.A.E.'s environmental sustainability by limiting pollution.
As of July 1, all Enoc's retail and commercial service stations offer ‘Green Diesel' with service station staff advising customers on the need to shift to the new diesel fuel. The response to the launch of 'Green Diesel' at the Enoc/Eppco service stations has been extremely positive.
Green Diesel is more sustainable because it has only 10ppm of sulphur compared to 500ppm in the diesel used in the region. Diesel is graded by its sulphur content as a general rule as removing it implies a reduction in particulate matters and pollutants. Therefore, using 10ppm diesel leads to lower emissions, and cleaner air quality.
Saeed Khoory, Chief Executive Officer of Enoc, said: "The U.A.E. has set a clear vision and guidelines for promoting sustainable development, and it is important to uphold these for the benefit of future generations.
"The Federal Government has made it mandatory that the environment-friendly 'Green Diesel' is used by motorists, in turn contributing to a greener and cleaner environment. Enoc will continue to be at the forefront in promoting the use of 'Green Diesel' as part of our corporate social responsibility.”
He added: "As one of the first providers of ultra-low-sulphur diesel in the U.A.E., we will work with all concerned stakeholders – including government departments and motorists – to further promote its usage.
"This is a perfect fit to the ‘green economy for sustainable development' initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai. The distribution of 'Green Diesel' marks a significant investment in the future and we are taking the extra step by absorbing the additional cost involved in distributing the low-emission diesel.”
The environment-friendly fuel is distributed by Enoc in accordance with the regulation by the Emirates Authority for Standards & Metrology, the U.A.E.'s sole standardisation body, to reduce motor vehicle pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
Set by the European Union, the Euro 5 standard diesel ensures that emissions from vehicles are limited and are significantly less than emissions when using conventional fuels.