Sharjah toughens law on gas cylinders

Sharjah has announced a new law that will impose stricter penalties and fines up to Dh50,000 to gas traders violating guidelines set by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (Sedd).

The new law comprises ten articles, and covers issues including gas cylinder withdrawal and expiration filling of gas cylinders, pricing of gas cylinders and licensing of gas cylinders. The new law clearly stipulates fines and penalties for specific breaches, including selling expired gas cylinders, showing a false expiry date, and filling cylinders from unlicensed factories and the price list not being displayed in a visible area in the vehicle or distribution outlet.

Commenting on the new law, Sedd Chairman Ali bin Salem Al Mahmoud said: "The higher authorities in the emirate are keen to ensure that maximum safety is provided to nationals and residents when handling various vital consumer materials. In order to achieve this purpose, a new law has been implemented covering the manufacturing, filling and trading of gas cylinders, with the said law addressing all the weaknesses of the old law.

Sedd's legal advisor, Modathar Abdullah Ali told Emirates 24|7 that the new law makes it possible for even inspectors to impose penalties.
 
“Earlier it had to be a consultant from the department, but now any inspector can issue penalties. Most of the penalties are issued for buying gas from outside the Emirate and storing gas in illegal places. Some people even store cylinders it in vehicles and private residences,” said Abdullah Ali.

The new law replaces Law No. 16 of 1997. “There are several guidelines. The cylinder should not be older than 15 years. Gas should only be filled from companies approved by SEDD and sold at price fixed by us. The department sets the price every two months,” added Abdulla Ali.

The Sedd has also advised consumers to dial the toll free number (600567777) to report any irregularities.
When Emirates 24|7 however tried to contact the number a voice message said the work timings are between 7.30am to 2.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and asked the callers to leave the message after a beep.

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