Belgium has taken a bold step by banning the export of harmful motor fuels to West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, in a concerted effort to protect public health and the environment.
The ban, announced by Belgium’s Minister of Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and Green Deal, Zakia Khattabi, aims to curb the export of toxic fuels with high sulfur and benzene content that pose significant risks to the well-being of individuals and the ecosystem.
The move comes after it was discovered that oil companies were exporting gasoline with excessively high levels of benzene and sulfur from Antwerp, fuels that had long been banned in Europe due to their harmful health and environmental impacts.
Minister Khattabi emphasized the need to stop the export of these toxic fuels that contribute to poor air quality and are even carcinogenic in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The new legislation, which has received Royal assent, will set stricter standards for exported fuels, ensuring that they meet the same quality standards as those for the European market.
Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten supported the ban, highlighting the importance of applying stringent standards to exports to protect global health and the environment. The new regulation is expected to come into force after the publication of a Royal Decree, following a positive opinion from the Council of State.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to safeguard public health globally. The ban on exporting “dirty diesel” is set to yield numerous benefits, including minimizing air pollution, reducing respiratory diseases and cancers caused by fuel emissions, and promoting cleaner energy for a more sustainable future.
Belgium’s decision to join the Netherlands in banning the export of toxic fuels to West Africa is a significant step towards creating a healthier and cleaner environment for all.
The ban is expected to have far-reaching effects on public health and environmental protection, setting a precedent for other countries to follow suit in promoting cleaner energy practices and global well-being.
