BS-VI fuel to retail in Delhi by April: Centre
The Central government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that the supply of Bharat Stage VI auto fuels to retail outlets in Delhi will be made available from April 1. Taking into account the pollution levels in the National Capital region, the decision has been taken by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in discussion with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Fuel supply was earlier scheduled for April 1, 2020
The government said to a bench, comprising justices Madan B Lokur, Kurian Joseph and Deepak Gupta, that it will advance the deadline for supply of BS-VI fuel by two years. It was earlier scheduled for April 1, 2020. This comes after the apex court had asked the government to clarify its position on the availability of BS-VI emission standard compliant fuel in Delhi.
Decision of early introduction was made considering environmental benefits
In an affidavit to the SC, the Centre said, "BS-VI auto fuels will be supplied in all the retail outlets of NCT of Delhi from April 1, 2018. " It added, "Considering the environmental benefits of early introduction of BS-VI fuels, it was decided to advance the supply and necessary directions were issued to the OMCs vide dated November 15, 2017."
People's health important than commercial interests of manufacturers: SC
Earlier on February 5, describing the issue of vehicular pollution as "very serious", the apex court said that the government should not take the issue lightly and directed the petroleum ministry to file an affidavit regarding the availability of the fuel in Delhi. The court said that the health of the people was "far, far more important than the commercial interests" of the manufacturers.
