UN Environment calls to stop flow of “dirty fuel" to West Africa
A new report outlining the origin and composition of “dirty diesel” transported from European ports to Western Africa was presented to the Dutch government today, showing insufficient compliance with processing rules leading to fuel blends that represent a risk to people and the environment.
UN Environment applauds the action taken by the government of the Netherlands to better understand and proactively approach the problem, and urges other nations to follow suit.
“The shipping of dirty fuels to West Africa has been nothing short of an environmental and public health scandal. The notion that some parts of the world don’t deserve the same kind of health protection as others is simply shocking,” Head of UN Environment Erik Solheim said. “The industry players also have a critical role in raising the bar. Substandard products should not be sold even if they meet national standards.”
photo credit: Jeff Attaway