India's first gasoline and diesel reference fuel
Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) launched India's first gasoline and diesel reference fuels, used to develop engines and assess their performance. The ceremony was organized in the presence of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. These 'reference' fuels are different from regular and premium petrol and diesel in that they have higher specifications, which allows them to be used for calibrating and testing by manufacturers and agencies such as the International Center for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and the Automotive Research Association. For decades, India has been heavily dependent on imports to meet the demand for these specialty fuels, leading to increased dependence on foreign suppliers.
Reference Fuel Launch Key Facts
- Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has developed these high-specification reference fuels to replace imports and ensure reliable supply at low cost.
- IOCL has set up facilities for the production of gasoline reference fuel with available grades of E0, E5, E10, E20 and E85 at its Paradip Refinery and diesel reference fuel (B7 grade) at its Panipat Refinery.
- Producing 'reference' fuel domestically provides a significant economic benefit. While the imported 'reference' fuel costs between Rs 800-850 per litre, its domestic production is expected to reduce the cost by around Rs 450 per litre.
- These fuels are used by automobile manufacturers and testing agencies such as the International Center for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and the Automotive Research Association of India for calibration and testing of vehicles.
- India's self-reliance strategy aims to eliminate the country's dependence on imports in the energy sector.
- This is the first time that India has stepped into the production of reference gasoline and diesel fuel, reducing import dependence.
- The move is an important step towards achieving India's goal of energy self-sufficiency, reducing carbon footprint and achieving cost benefits by eliminating imports.
Role of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has played an important role in this achievement by developing indigenous products in place of imports. This not only ensures reliable supply of 'reference' fuel but also substantially reduces costs for vehicle manufacturers and testing agencies. IOC's Paradip refinery in Odisha will produce 'reference' grade petrol, while its Panipat unit in Haryana will produce high quality diesel.