Influx of faulty cylinders in Emirates leads to cautioning on authorised cylinder usage
Dubai - Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) today advised customers on behalf of Emirates Gas (Emgas) to ensure they purchase cylinders from authorised distributors only.
Emgas, the UAE pioneer of LP Gas bottling and distribution, has issued a series of tips for LP Gas Cylinder customers on correct procedure because of an increase in unsafe cylinders currently in the market.
Due to the temporary closure of several gas bottling companies in Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, an influx of cylinders for retesting and maintenance have been sent to Emgas. In the rigorous testing procedures by Emgas it was noted that many of the received cylinders came from bottling plants that were not following the stringent procedures.
Yusr Sultan, Chief Executive, Shipping, terminalling & LPG, said: "Consumers need to be aware of the UAE regulations with regards to cylinder usage. Through Emgas we are proud to take the lead in working with the Civil Defence authorities to ensure customers are adequately informed about safety procedures."
Resulting in cause for concern, Emgas found that customers had been using cylinders that were unsafe and over 15 years old, the age at which cylinders are withdrawn from the service period.
In the interest of public safety and convenience to customers, Emgas has taken over retesting, maintenance and replacement of such cylinders in these markets, incurring additional expenditure to ensure the safe use of cylinders in the Emirates.
As per the UAE regulations, all cylinders are required to be inspected at the time of filling, pressure tested at five year intervals and withdrawn from circulation at the end of 15 years. Since many of the bottling plants were not following these procedures, Emgas has taken up the matter with the authorities to halt these violations so that the public are not placed in danger.
With the cooperation of the Civil Defence authorities, Emgas has been destroying hundreds of cylinders seized by the Civil Defence in various inspections. Cautioning the public to be aware of the facts, Emgas has advised its customers to procure cylinders from authorised distributors only and be aware that cylinders need to be checked as per their guidelines to ensure uninterupted supplies and safety in the usage of LPG.
Emgas has also deferred its price revision during the holy month of Ramadan in spite of product prices increasing steeply in the international market. The price of LPG has gone up by over 35% since the last price revision in September' 04 and is at record levels. The recommended sale price for the medium cylinder (22 kg) widely used in the households, continues to be AED 53 /- and for the 44 kg cylinder used in restaurants etc, it remains at AED 98 /-.
Emgas has bottling plants in the emirates of Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain with a distributor base of over 125 distributors and is the leading supplier of LPG, Propane and EGAP (Emirates Gas Aerosol Propellant) in bulk to major industries and commercial establishments in the UAE for over 30 years.
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About ENOC
Established in 1993 as a wholly-owned company of the Government of Dubai, ENOC aims to promote the interests of its shareholders through the development of further downstream and upstream activities in the oil and gas sector and beyond and to encourage the economic diversification of Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
ENOC actively participates in an increasingly broad range of business ventures. Its joint ventures with major international companies allow partners to pool their technology, know-how and expertise along with their resources to further their commercial success.
Since its inception, ENOC has been guided by its philosophy of quality and professional management based on modern business concepts for commercial success and sustainable growth. Today it is poised to engineer a new and challenging period of growth and diversity.
ENOC's mission is to be the reliable Energy Partner of Choice in each sector in which it operates.
For further information please contact:
Tania Harasimiuk
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East and North Africa
Dubai
UAE
Tel: 971 4 3344550
Fax: 971 4 3344556
E-mail: t.harasimiuk@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2005
