Unleaded Petrol

Nearly two and half years ago the central government made it mandatory for all cars sold and registered in the four metro cities "" Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Madras "" to use only unleaded petrol, which is considered environment friendly and has minimal carbon monoxide emission. In order to use unleaded petrol such vehicles must have a catalytic convertor in their fuel exhaust system. The central government directive was to be gradually implemented throughout the country. This has not happened so far.

While unleaded petrol is easily available in these metro cities, it is however, not available in other major cities in the country. Though a large number of cars are being sold in the metros which use only unleaded petrol, they are practically useless as a mode of transport beyond 250 or 300 kms from the four metros, unless one carries unleaded fuel in ferry cans (This itself is an offence and hazardous). May car-owners who wish to use their vehicles (fitted with catalytic convertors) for long distance journeys do not use them, because lead free petrol is not available. Non-availability of unleaded petrol outside metros, has also prompted buyers of cars to have cars registered outside the metro limits. Thus, defeating the objective of the central government to reduce automobile pollution in large cities with high automobile population. The practice of registering cars sold in metro outside these cities (or even states) has also led to the state/city exchequer losing revenue by way of entry tax/sale tax.

 

It is high time that the situation is remedied and the problem of car-owners who purchased cars fitted with catalytic convertors are solved. Here are a few suggestions in this direction:

Unleaded petrol must be immediately made available along all major national highways and in all towns with a population of 5 lakhs and above.

Buyers of new cars in the four metros must have the option of buying it (and registering) either for use on unleaded or leaded petrol.