Winter Grade Fuel in Ladakh | 23 Nov 2019

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.
  • 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.

Source: TH