Consider differential pricing of diesel, BS-VI fuel in 13 metros, SC tells Centre
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to look into the possibility of rolling out the Bharat Stage (BS)-VI fuel in 13 metro cities by April 2019, besides introducing it in the national Capital from the beginning of the next month. The Centre had earlier informed the top court it had advanced by two years the deadline for supply of Euro-VI petrol and diesel and would start it in Delhi from April 1, considering the “serious pollution levels” in the Capital and adjoining areas.
A Bench of judges M B Lokur and Deepak Gupta also directed the Centre to look into the aspect of differential pricing of diesel for heavy vehicles and small- and mid-segment passenger vehicles. The counsel appearing for the Centre said increasing the price of diesel would impact the movement of heavy vehicles which, in turn, result in increasing the price of vegetables and other essential items. The Bench said differential pricing can be introduced in a way which ensures the price of diesel does not act as stimulus for purchase of commercial and passenger vehicles and does not impact running of heavy vehicles.
On February 21, the Centre had informed the apex court that it would introduce Euro-VI fuel in Delhi by April 1. The SC had earlier directed the Centre to clear its stand on the availability of BS-VI emission standard compliant fuel in Delhi. BS-VI emission standard was scheduled to come into force from April 1, 2020, across the country.
“In view of the confirmation given by oil marketing companies (OMCs) and taking into account the serious pollution levels in Delhi and adjoining areas and as per the decision taken by the ministry in consultation with OMCs, it is respectfully submitted that BS-VI auto fuels will be supplied in all the retail outlets of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi from April 1, 2018,” the Centre’s affidavit stated. It had said “after considering the environmental benefits of early introduction of BS-VI fuels, it was decided to advance the supply of BS-VI in NCT of Delhi from April 1 itself and necessary directions were issued to OMCs vide a letter dated November 15, 2017.”
The affidavit added that OMCs having retail outlets in NCT of Delhi were asked to supply BS-VI auto fuels in NCT of Delhi from April 1. “In response to the above, all OMCs having retail outlets in NCT of Delhi, i.e., Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Reliance Industries, and Essar Oil have confirmed that BS-VI auto fuels will be supplied in their retail outlets in NCT of Delhi with effect from April 1,” it had said. Environmentalists have said Euro-VI fuel could reduce vehicular pollution in the Capital. The court had on February 5 described as “very serious” and a “critical problem” the issue of vehicular pollution and observed it would have an impact not only on the current generation but also on unborn children. The SC had directed the petroleum ministry to file an affidavit, indicating the position as regards the availability of BS-VI emission standard compliant fuel in Delhi.