Union government decides to introduce BS -VI grade auto fuels in NCT Delhi much earlier than expected

OMCs have also been asked to examine the possibility of introduction of BS-VI auto fuels in the whole of NCR area with effect from April 1, 2019.

Oil refining companies are making huge investments in fuel up gradation projects to produce the BS-VI grade fuels, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said in its release on Wednesday.

The Ministry said that the Central government has been making concerted efforts in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Commitment at COP 21, to reduce vehicular emissions and improve fuel efficiency with an aim to reduce the carbon footprints and keep a healthy environment.

India has followed the regulatory pathway for fuel quality and vehicle emissions standards termed as Bharat Stage (BS).

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has successfully introduced the BS-IV grade transportation fuels across the country wit effect from April 1, 2017.

With the launch of BS-IV grade fuel, a new era of clean transportation fuels has begun by substantially reducing pollution levels, the Ministry said.

Migration to BS-IV grade fuels shows India’s resolve to cut down emissions.

As a next step in this direction, the Central government in consultation with stakeholders has decided to meet international best practices by leapfrogging directly from BS-IV to BS-VI grade by April 1, 2020, skipping BS-V altogether.

This measure is expected to help mitigate the problem of air pollution in NCT of Delhi and surrounding areas.