BS VI fuel to be available in Delhi from April 1, 2018

In the wake of rising pollution levels in Delhi and its surrounding areas, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas has decided to introduce BS VI grade fuel in the national capital territory (NCT) of Delhi from April 1, 2018. The oil marketing companies have also been notified to examine the possibility of introduction of the BS VI grade fuel in the whole of Delhi-NCR from April 1, 2019.

BS IV grade fuel was made available in the country from April 1, 2017. It was then decided to skip BS V altogether and upgrade to BS VI by the year 2020. Despite the recent developments, the time frame for the nationwide availability of cleaner BS VI grade petrol and diesel remains unchanged. It now seems like BS VI grade fuels would likely be introduced throughout the country in phases by April 1, 2020.

Meanwhile, auto makers have welcomed the government’s decision to roll out BS VI fuels ahead of plan, giving them sufficient time to introduce BS VI compliant vehicles into the market. BS VI compliant engines are mandated from April 1, 2020. However, it is claimed by some manufacturers that using BS IV fuel on a BS VI vehicle will have adverse effects on the engine. This will restrict the movement of vehicles to the NCT region till the new fuel is available pan India.

Earlier, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had claimed that BS VI grade fuels would help reduce particulate matter emissions by 89% and NOx emissions by 76% in 2-wheelers. In cars, these emissions would be reduced by 82% and 68% respectively.

Source: Economic Times