For the auto sector, the progressive shift towards tighter emission norms is somewhat akin to managing the impossible trinity of economics — or three objectives that cannot be achieved simultaneously. In this case, the three variables are the readiness of auto firms to shift up through the stages, the task of getting oil refining firms to make the requisite fuel available in time for this transition, and simultaneously ensuring that this does not drive up vehicle prices and running costs.
In question is the Bharat stage emission standard that regulates the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles. India has been following European emission norms, though with a time lag of five years, with BS-IV norms currently applicable in 33 cities where the required grade of fuel is available while the rest of the country follows BS-III standards.
The NDA government has in recent months reiterated its plan to advance the timelines for rolling out BS-VI fuel norms across the country by skipping a stage (BS-V) entirely. This week, the government is set to consult a team of international experts on automobile engine development to discuss whether India can skip that stage.
Auto firms have flagged their concerns as jumping directly to BS-VI would not offer enough time for the design changes to be instituted. While they have questioned the ability of oil marketing companies to provide fuel, these firms, in turn, are worried about the funds to get this done.
Directly aping the Euro norms might be yet another problem, considering that driving conditions peculiar to India might require the adaptation of two critical components —a diesel particulate filter and a selective catalytic reduction module — to work in these conditions, which restrict running speeds to much lower than in Europe.
INDIAN EXPRESS
