LS takes up auto fuel policy

NEW DELHI: The National Auto Fuel Policy which envisages a clearcut roadmap for improvement in vehicular technology and corresponding fuel quality along with an incremental timetable for compliance, was today tabled in the Lok Sabha. The policy makes it mandatory for all new vehicles to comply with the Bharat-II pollution norms from April 1, ‘05.
The policy document tabled in the Lok Sabha by minister of state for petroleum, Sumitra Mahajan, also makes it compulsory for all new vehicles to comply with the equivalent of Euro-III norms from April 1, ‘10. It is estimated that the existing domestic oil refineries would require an additional Rs 18,000-crore investment, apart from Rs 10,000 crore already invested to achieve the first level of Euro I/Bharat Stage II auto fuel specifications. Additional funds of Rs 12,000 crore would be needed during ‘05-10.
Meanwhile, the additional investment to be made by the auto industry over this period is estimated at Rs 25,000 crore. Ms Mahajan said that new vehicles across 11 major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Kanpur and Agra would meet Euro-III norms by April 1, ‘05. The Euro-IV norms would come into force by ‘10 in these cities. While new two and three-wheelers would be required to meet Bharat-II norms from April 1, ‘05, Stage III norms would be effective preferably in April ‘08, failing which it will have to comply by April ‘10.
The policy also proposes measures to reduce emissions from in-use vehicles in a bid to improve air quality which in turn impacts public health and environment. For in-use vehicles, the policy suggests a new and improved Pollution Under Control checking system, inspection and maintenance system, checking system for catalytic converters and conversion kits for CNG/LPG vehicles.