Buying cooking gas from unauthorized vendors carries real danger, Dubai Police cautioned this week, pointing to a string of inspections that turned up hundreds of cylinders failing to meet basic safety requirements.
The alert came from the Anti-Economic Crimes Department within the General Department of Criminal Investigation, which is running an awareness drive under the banner “Your Safety and Your Family’s Come First.” The campaign focuses on shielding households from the hazards tied to gas cylinders that have been refilled illegally.
A central concern, according to investigators, is how these cylinders are filled in the first place. Certain unlicensed traders rely on crude refilling methods that ignore approved safety standards, the department said. The danger climbs sharply when cylinders are kept in poor conditions and when outdoor temperatures spike, raising the likelihood of fires and explosions within residential spaces.
The seizure figures point to a downward trend. Working alongside the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, officers have pulled non-compliant cylinders from circulation across several years of field operations. The 300 cylinders taken so far this year follow 575 recorded last year and 1,361 in 2024.
Where people obtain their cylinders is the heart of the police message. Residents should turn only to licensed firms and approved suppliers operating in the country, the department said, adding that it keeps watch over violations and pursues legal measures against those engaged in unlawful trading and refilling.
Several precautions were laid out for households. Before using any cylinder, the public should check it for damage, corrosion or leaks, the department advised. It also called for routine upkeep of home gas lines and appliances, prompt repair of any faults, and consistent observance of established safety guidance.
Anyone who spots questionable activity can flag it through the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app or by dialing 901. The department framed community protection as a joint duty, one that depends on residents cooperating and following the safety rules built to defend lives and property.
