There is a total shutdown in the country in an attempt to control the spread of the Corona Virus pandemic. In states like Maharashtra, sale of fuel to private vehicles has been stopped and only vehicles on essential and emergency duty are permitted refueling. Not a scenario most oil marketing companies dreamt of. However, not withstanding the situation, India has kept its date with the BS VI fuel joining the select list of companies using petrol and diesel with just 10 ppm of sulfur. India decided to skip the BS V stage and leapfrogged from BS IV to BS VI.

The new fuel and engines compliant with it would lead to reduction in NOx emissions in petrol vehicles by 25% and in diesel vehicles by 70%. This would help India fight against the increasing air pollution and hope for a cleaner future for its population.

India is one of the largest and fastest growing fuel market with 64,625 fuel retail outlets. The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) which are led by government owned Public Sector Companies (PSUs) have invested to the tune of INR 35,000 Crore (US$ 4.8 Billion) for upgrading their refineries. The upgrade has been carried out without disrupting the ongoing production which is a great feat. Even private sector oil retailers are now ready to offer BS VI fuel.

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