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The
Pakistan Authorities are to apply the Euro Emission Standards in the country
from July, 2012. Positive steps are being taken by the Ministry of Petroleum
with the help of the Ministry of Environment regarding the implementation in
new fuel standards for vehicles.
The
oil refineries refineries are already in process to manufacture
Euro-II-compliant petrol and diesel. The modification procedure requires
heavy amount of capital. Auto manufacturers are already producing vehicles
based on Euro II and Euro III standards. Such as, Pak Suzuki’s Swift, Indus
Motors’ Toyota Altis and Honda Civic are locally produced models complying with
Euro III standards.
The
General Manager Commercial & Corporate Pakistan Refinery Limited, Aftab
Hussain, stated that the government is taking steps towards complying with the
Euro Emission Standards and that in this regard the specifications of Euro II
are being fulfilled for petrol engines. However, for Diesel engines, Diesel
hydro-treaters are to be installed to decrease the amount of sulphur particles
from the Diesel fuel.
In
August 1993, the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for motor
vehicle exhaust and noise were launched by the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), under clause (e) of section 6(1) of the Pakistan
Environmental Protection Act 1997.
Sessions were conducted in this regard
by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency with all stake-holders,
including the Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Environment, auto
manufacturers and oil companies. The quality of fuel was acutely focused during
these sessions as an important point. The main emphasis was on the reduction of
sulphur particles from Diesel fuel to 500 ppm, as presently it contributes
nearly 9000 ppm.
While
many challenges remain, the process started many years ago has evolved to the
current stage of implementation. PetrolWorld 270612crw
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