Decision on auto fuel policy by January-end: Naik

NEW DELHI: The government is likely to take a decision on the auto fuel policy suggested by the Mashelkar Committee by the end of next month, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said.
"We expect to receive comments from state governments and all stakeholders by the month end. The views would be studied and incorporated in the integrated Auto Fuel Policy that would be placed before the Cabinet for approval by January end," Naik said at the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Wednesday.
The experts committee, headed by Dr R A Mashelkar, director general, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, has recommended Euro-III emission norms for vehicles by 2005 and Euro-IV norms by 2010, the implementation of which would require about Rs 45,000 crore.
The committee has suggested use of both liquid (petrol and diesel) and gaseous fuels (LPG and CNG) that meet the emission standards.
Naik said comments have also been invited from concerned central ministries and the general public.
As per the norms, two meetings of consultative committee have to take place between two sessions of Parliament and one during every sitting.