Indian Oil Corporation has commenced the supply of the BS6 emission standard fuel across the country. 28,000 petrol pumps have already started dispensing BS6 fuel for over two weeks now. However, the entire country will adopt the BS6 fuel from April 1, 2020. Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) are also supplying BS6 fuel and within a week the entire country will switch to the cleanest fuel.
BS4 norms came into effect starting in April 2017. Under the BS4 norms, the sulphur content in the fuel is up to 50 ppm only. While the BS6 fuel contains 5 times less sulphur content and will also reduce carbon emission. Due to these reasons, it is regarded as the cleanest fuel.
With an initiative to reduce sulphur emission, India switched from BS4 directly to BS6 in just a span of 3 years. The Indian Oil Corporation has invested Rs 17,000 crores for the up-gradation of its facilities to meet the new emission standards. But switching to clean fuel is happening at a time when the whole world is in a grip of coronavirus effect. Due to this outbreak, there has been a massive impact on multiple industries, including the automobile sector. Most of the companies have shut down their plant due to which there has been negative growth in production.
Starting April 2020, BS6 vehicles will only be available for sale in India. Although the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) has requested the Supreme Court to extend the sale of BS4 vehicles till May 31st due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, the plea was not approved. The deadline for the sale of BS4 vehicles remains the same.
Image Source- autocarindia.com