The West has 60.8 per cent diesel vehicles. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in England, 40 per cent of cars in London use diesel. The problem clearly is in the fuel quality, not the technology. In late ’90s, Indians moved to mandatory use of unleaded petrol. The same can be done with diesel. As Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said at the Auto Expo, “We should improve diesel norms and quality of the fuel, not ban it.”

The SIAM official says, “Steps have been taken to improve the fuel and Rs 6,000 crore has been invested in the process but it takes time.” He also recalls, “Prior to 1999, sulphur content in diesel used to be 2500 ppm (parts per million). With the implementation of strict emission norms, it came down to 350 ppm under Bharat Stage III regulations.” He expects sulphur to reduce to 50 ppm by 2010.

Driving need not be a guilt trip. Clean tech can bring down emissions and India is on the right road.