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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

GS-III :
  • 21 June, 2020

  • 5 Min Read

National Auto Fuel Policy,2015

National Auto Fuel Policy,2015

  • The Auto Fuel Policy, 2003 aims at addressing issues of vehicular emissions and vehicular technologies by applying fuel quality standards.
  • An Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Saumitra Chaudhari was set up to review the Auto Fuel Policy, 2003.
  • Further, the objective of the Expert Committee was to draw a roadmap for the auto fuel quality till 2025. The Standing Committee made observations and recommendations on the Expert Committee report and the Auto Fuel Policy, 2003.
  • In order to achieve the unified fuel norm, the Ministry should implement the less polluting Bharat Stage (BS)-IV quality of fuel standard across the country by 2017.
  • Further, the Standing Committee recommends the implementation of the BS-VI quality of fuel standard by 2020.
  • Some public sector refineries do not produce BS-IV quality of fuel. Hence, the Standing Committee recommends all refineries be upgraded in a phase wise manner to produce BS-IV quality of fuel.
  • The Expert Committee recommended levying a high sulphur cess on high polluting BS-III automotive fuels.
  • The Expert Committee also recommended a special fuel up-gradation Cess on all gasoline and diesel sold.
  • The Standing Committee recommends the Ministry to decide on the levy of cess at the earliest. The sum generated must be utilised for fuel up-gradation projects.
  • As fossil fuel reserves are depleting, the Ministry must assess the commercial viability of non-conventional fuels.
  • In terms of usage, the share of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is low. Therefore, the Standing Committee recommends the Ministry to give high priority to coverage of more areas under CNG.
  • The establishment of a centralised national data centre for collecting information regarding polluting vehicles is recommended. In order to achieve this objective, if required, formulating a plan scheme and specific fund allocation has been recommended by the Standing Committee.
  • The constitution of an inter-ministerial committee of secretaries of the concerned Ministries is required.
  • The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is the nodal agency and is expected to constitute the same.
  • The Inspection and Maintenance System that enhances the safety and emission performance of vehicles has not been implemented. Therefore, it is recommended that the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas impresses upon the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to implement the same.
  • Formulation of a vehicle retirement policy will improve air quality.
  • The Ministry should apply the provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to formulate an age limit for retirement of vehicles.

Source: TH


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