The government may not be able to push its policy for lower emissions across the country with the road transport and highways ministry thinking about postponing the date for ushering in Bharat Stage (BS) III norms across the country. The ministry plans to make all new vehicles across the country BS III-compliant by April 1, 2010. Eleven mega-cities are, however, supposed to graduate BS IV norms. The delay comes on the back of unwillingness of certain oil companies to supply the required fuel to the country’s northeast region.

“Top oil companies have said they will not be able to supply the right fuel for BS III in the northeastern states. This is despite the fact that automobile companies have already geared their production lines towards BS III,” a senior government official told The Indian Express on condition of anonymity. The government is considering extension of the date for BS III to kick in by at least six months.

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Bihar rely on two major refineries at Guwahati in Assam and Barauni in Bihar. “The upgradation of these refineries is likely to take some time and fuel supply would not kick in by the target date of April 1, 2010,” a petroleum ministry official said. While suggestions have been made for supplementing supply with domestic imports, the logistics, however, need to be worked out, the official added.

As far as BS IV compliancy is concerned, the date may not be changed after all — providing some respite to auto companies who have already geared their production line for the roll out. “The ministry may allow the mega-cities, which include Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore, to role out BS IV-compliant vehicles,” the official said.

... contd.