This Order forms part of the implementation by the United Kingdom of Council Directive 2009/119/EC imposing an obligation on member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products (OJ No L 265, 9.10.2009, p.9) (“the 2009 Directive”). The other obligations of the 2009 Directive requiring transposition are implemented by section 6 of the Energy Act 1976 (c.76) (“the 1976 Act”) and directions given under that provision. Such a direction may require a producer, supplier or user of crude liquid petroleum or petroleum products to create and maintain stocks at a specified level. The United Kingdom stocks held by such persons are used by the United Kingdom to meet its obligations under the 2009 Directive to hold emergency stocks.