Car manufacturers operating in the country have suggested the government for a speedy implementation of the 'one country, one fuel' policy by bringing in more cities under BS-IV norms. These norms are prevalent only in 13 cities so far with notification for seven more cities in tow by the government due to absence of high quality fuel. Recently, a meeting was held by the Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors of leading automobile companies like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Bajaj and Kirloskar, which was headed by Road Transport and Highways Minister, C.P. Joshi. It was suggested in the meeting that the government should terminate the dual-norm policy soon.
According to an official present at the meeting, “We have to have two lines of production — one for BS-III vehicles and another for BS-IV . Once you have single norm applicable all over the country, this issue will be resolved and it will help the supply chain.” According to Director General, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), BS-IV trucks will not find a buyer in the country unless the single fuel norm is applied in the country.
However, the petroleum ministry has a different opinion on the issue. According to the ministry persons, it is not possible to apply BS-IV norms across the country since it would attract additional investment worth around Rs. 50,000 crores and there is a dearth of resources in the industry. Representatives from the car manufacturers said that the companies are ready to manufacture vehicles that follow Euro stage-V and stage-VI norms and they have been already doing so for exports to European countries.
According to a highways ministry official, “At present, we are lagging since high quality fuel is not available. Once that gap is plugged, these companies can produce same standard vehicle for domestic as well as international markets.”The automotive industry comprising all the segments has been exporting nearly 15-20 per cent of its productions. Those against the plan feel that raising the need for BS-IV fuel norms across the country is a strategy of the car makers for downplaying the vehicle safety and auto recall issues .
S.P. Singh of IRTFT stated that not a single truck manufacturer has sold any vehicle that complies with the BS-IV policy. In the absence of such vehicles, buyers have no option other than buying BS-III vehicles or older models. Truck drivers and owners are applying for national permits to operate such trucks in the cities, which have already come under BS-IV norms.
