The final report of the expert committee on an automobile fuel policy, advocating the continuation of liquid fuels as the main fuels in India, is likely to be presented to the petroleum ministry tomorrow. |
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The report, however, says alternative fuels should be introduced in highly polluted cities in phases. The report suggests India should aim at achieving the twin objectives of providing "assured supply of fuels at minimum cost and meeting environmental concerns". |
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The expert committee, headed by R A Mashelkar, director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, had submitted its preliminary report in January 2002. |
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The final report indicates that the existing refineries will have to invest around Rs 18,000 crore by 2005 to meet automobile fuel specifications, and an additional investment of around Rs 12,000 crore will be needed by 2010. |
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In its interim report, the committee had suggested the government should prescribe only the vehicular emission norms and matching fuel specifications, leaving the choice of vehicle type and the fuel to the user. |
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It had said Euro-II emission norms should be introduced across the country by April 2005 and Euro-III norms by 2010. |
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Bharat stage-II (Euro-II) norms, which are in place in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, should be introduced in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad by the end of 2003. |
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The same should be introduced in the entire country from April 1, 2005, the interim report had said. |
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Euro-III equivalent emission norms for all categories of vehicles (excluding two-and three-wheelers) should be introduced in the seven mega cities from April 1, 2005, and extended to other parts of the country from 2010, the report said. |
