Important Facts For Prelims
Winter Grade Fuel in Ladakh
- 23 Nov 2019
- 2 min read
The winter-grade diesel was launched to address the problem of loss of fuel during extreme winter conditions.
- Motorists in high-altitude areas of Ladakh face the problem of freezing of diesel in their vehicles when winter temperatures drop to as low as minus 30-degree celsius.
- The special winter-grade diesel is developed by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
- It has a pour point of minus 33-degree celsius and does not lose its fluidity even in the region’s extreme winter weather unlike normal grade diesel, which is difficult to use in sub-zero temperatures.
- The pour point of a liquid is the temperature below which the liquid loses its flow characteristics.
- It also meets Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification of BS-VI grade.
- It has a pour point of minus 33-degree celsius and does not lose its fluidity even in the region’s extreme winter weather unlike normal grade diesel, which is difficult to use in sub-zero temperatures.
- The special winter-grade diesel will help to reduce the hardships faced by the local people for transportation and mobility during the harsh winter months.
- It will further facilitate the local economy as well as tourism in the region.
BS-VI
- Bharat stage norms are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution based on the European regulations (Euro norms).
- These standards set limits the release of air pollutants from equipment using internal combustion engines, including vehicles.
- The higher the stage, the more stringent norms.
- BS VI’s key improvement in fuel quality over BS IV include,
- Lower Sulphur Content: It has lowered sulphur content of 10 parts per million (ppm). Sulphur in fuel contributes to fine particulate matter emissions.
- Harmful Hydrocarbon: It seeks to reduce the level of certain harmful hydrocarbons in the emissions that are produced due to incomplete combustion of fuel.
