Euro VI fuel: Delhi will see positive impact by end of 2018, say experts

NEW DELHI: The rollout of Euro-VI fuel in the Capital will lead to a positive impact by the end of 2018, many environmentalists have asserted.

"This is the kind of drastic measure that is required, given the scale of the crisis. We cannot anymore work with small and incremental steps to bring us the kind of air quality benefits that we need," said Sunita Narain, Director General, Center for Science and Environment.

With an aim to combat the rising levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, petrol pumps in the Capital, from Sunday, started supplying ultra-clean Bharat Stage VI grade fuel (both petrol and diesel).

This move makes New Delhi the first city in the country to switch from BS-IV grade fuels to BS-VI (equivalent to fuel meeting Euro-VI emission norms).

"The major difference in standards between the existing BS-IV and the new BS-VI auto fuel norms is the presence of sulphur. The newly-introduced fuel is estimated to reduce the amount of sulphur released by 80 per cent vehicles, from 50 parts per million to 10 ppm.

"As per analysts, the emission of NOx (nitrogen oxides) from diesel cars is also expected to reduce by nearly 70 per cent and 25 per cent from cars with petrol engines," said an expert

Other experts stated that the introduction of higher grade fuel will be beneficial only if it is done in tandem with the roll-out of BS-VI compliant vehicles.

Using BS-VI fuel in the current BS-IV engines or, conversely, running BS-VI engines on the current-grade fuel, may be ineffective in curbing vehicular pollution, and may damage the engine in the long run.

Experts also said that BS-IV grade fuel was first introduced in the country in April last year.

However, India subsequently decided to jump to BS-VI grade by April 2020 to meet international best practices.

The Union Petroleum Ministry, justifying the move, had said, "This measure is expected to help mitigate the problem of air pollution in National Capital Territory of Delhi and surrounding areas."

"Even though the full air quality gains will come when vehicles also move to BS-VI emissions standards, the current move should not be underestimated in a choking city like Delhi. With substantially cleaner fuel emissions, the control system in the on-road fleet will improve and give some emissions benefits," added Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, CSE.