Dubai Seizes 12,000 LPG Cylinders in Illegal Gas Crackdown

Dubai authorities have confiscated 519 vehicles and over 12,000 LPG cylinders in the city’s largest bust of illegal gas distribution. The operation uncovered a wide network of unlicensed delivery vehicles supplying LPG cylinders across residential and industrial zones.

Dubai Municipality and Dubai Civil Defense carried out this major seizure as part of a coordinated inspection campaign. Officials said the vehicles were not only unregistered for LPG use but also posed serious safety risks to the public.

Vehicles Used as Mobile LPG Bombs

Many of the seized vehicles were modified without approval to carry gas cylinders. Some had no fire suppression systems or safety barriers, and others stored dozens of cylinders in closed cargo areas. These setups created mobile hazards that could trigger fires or explosions with even minor leaks.

Authorities described the situation as “extremely dangerous” due to the lack of basic safety compliance. Inspectors found most vehicles operating without permits or valid inspection certificates. They also spotted some making direct residential deliveries, violating public safety laws.

Inside the Illegal LPG Operation

Authorities recovered 12,367 illegal LPG cylinders from warehouses and vehicles used by mobile suppliers.
They found cylinders stored in non-ventilated spaces, near ignition sources, and inside cars parked in crowded neighborhoods. 

Many were old, rusted, or lacked regulatory safety valves. Under UAE Federal Law No. 14 of 2017, only licensed entities may distribute or transport LPG in the country. Article 7 specifically bans unlicensed individuals from trading in petroleum products, including cylinder transport and delivery.

Dubai Municipality confirmed that all 519 seized vehicles violated these regulations. This is not the first case either. In 2022, a similar bust in Al Quoz uncovered dozens of modified vehicles and illegal gas storage units.  

Violators now face legal action, vehicle confiscation, and potential imprisonment under both federal and local safety laws.

Public Urged to Stay Away from Unmarked Gas Vehicles

Dubai Municipality is calling on residents to report any suspicious gas delivery vehicles. Unmarked vans or private cars offering cheap LPG refills could be part of illegal operations. Residents can report violations through the Dubai Municipality hotline at 800900.

Officials are also warning against purchasing LPG from social media accounts or unknown phone numbers. Only registered gas suppliers are legally authorized to deliver or refill cylinders in Dubai. The crackdown will continue in the coming weeks, with more surprise inspections planned.

Conclusion

Dubai’s seizure of 519 vehicles used for illegal LPG delivery highlights a serious public safety issue. These unlicensed operations turn cars into ticking time bombs on city roads. Residents are urged to avoid unmarked delivery vehicles and report any suspicious activity.

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