OilMin seeks power to defer/advance Auto Fuel Policy

NEW DELHI: The Oil Ministry is believed to have sought overriding power to defer or advance implementation of auto (cleaner) fuel policy in the country in a proposal to the Cabinet.

The Oil Ministry has mentioned in the proposal about the huge cost of Rs 32,760 crore involved in upgrading refining operations in the country for ensuring BS-IV emission norms compliant fuels in the country.

The auto-fuel policy and subsequent notifications by the government had mandated BS-IV norms for cars in 13 cities and BS-III norms for the rest of the country to be implemented by April 1, 2010.

The BS-IV norms have been implemented and BS-III fuel for the rest of the country have got delayed as the Road Transport and Highways Ministry has proposed that the auto industry can comply with the BS-III norms only by October 2010.

The ministry has claimed that the auto industry is not ready to introduce cleaner technology norms as yet.

The Cabinet meeting which was scheduled this evening has been postponed due discussions on demand of grants by the Rural Development Ministry in Parliament.