The Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan yesterday announced that the draft norms on fuel efficiency for heavy-duty vehicles will be released on April 1, 2017.

The announcement was made during the minister’s address at Saksham 2017, a month-long awareness drive on fuel conservation, at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi.

Pradhan said that BS IV fuel for commercial vehicles will be available across the country from April 2017 and the Ministry is already planning and working on bringing in BS VI fuel by 2020.

Switching off engine at signals could save Rs 14,000 crore worth of fuel

Speaking at the event, the minister also urged motorists to follow fuel conservation steps and contribute to saving of energy and fuel. He added there are more than 15 crore (150 million) two-wheelers and over 3 crore (30 million) three-wheelers plying on Indian roads at present. By turning off their engines at traffic signals, about 2 percent of fuel can be saved, translating into Rs 14,000 crore of saving for the country, the minister said.  

Inauguration of Saksham 2017

Dharmendra Pradhan also inaugurated the month-long awareness drive on fuel conservation called Saksham 2017 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav), organised by PCRA and other oil and gas PSUs. The program aims to create awareness amongst masses towards judicious utilisation and conservation of petroleum products along with use of energy efficient appliances and switching to cleaner fuels.

Digital certificates for showing commitment to fuel conservation were also launched by the minister. Pradhan also flagged off publicity vans to spread conservation awareness. He appealed to all citizens to participate in the festival and adopt behavioural changes leading to fuel saving.

During the month-long drive, several workshops will be held for drivers of commercial vehicles, among others.