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Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex Industry body representing leading Indian vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers, welcomed the announcement of the Petroleum Ministry for early introduction of BS VI Gasoline and Diesel fuel in the National Capital Territory of Delhi from April 2018, instead of April 2020.
The Indian automotive industry also welcomed the Ministry’s tentative plan to extend availability of BS VI fuel across the National Capital Region (NCR) from April 1, 2019. This move is a step in the right direction, as it is done in the developed countries, where the higher grade fuel is generally introduced couple of years prior to introduction of higher emission norms for vehicles.
Dr Abhay Firodia, President, SIAM said the early introduction of BS VI fuel gives confidence to the Auto Industry that BS VI Fuel will be available across the country from April 1, 2020, when the Indian auto industry fully migrates to manufacturing only BS VI compliant vehicles on a pan India basis.”
Availability of BS VI fuel in Delhi from April 2018 also gives an opportunity to the vehicle manufacturers in this region to test and validate the BS VI vehicles being developed by the auto industry so as to be fully ready for the April 2020 deadline.
Use of BS VI fuel with lower sulphur content may also improve the particulate emissions from the existing fleet of vehicles which are presently plying in the National Capital to some extent. In addition, if the government also effectively enforces the order to remove old BS II and earlier vintage vehicles from plying in the National Capital, it would greatly reduce the contribution of vehicular pollution in the Region, Dr Firodia added.
