The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has recently approached the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) seeking permission to employ winter diesel in high altitude areas such as Ladakh for armed forces operations. This move came after the IOC introduced winter diesel in 2019 to address the freezing of diesel in vehicles under severe weather conditions in high-altitude regions like Kargil, Kaza, Ladakh, and Keylong.
About Winter Diesel
Winter Diesel is a specially formulated fuel intended to function in high altitude areas and cold temperature zones such as Ladakh, where regular diesel can become ineffective. In compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards, winter diesel also meets the BS-VI grade requirements.
Characteristics of Winter Diesel
An essential characteristic of winter diesel is its low viscosity. The fuel contains additives that aid in maintaining this low viscosity, allowing the fuel to stay fluid in severe cold conditions. Regular diesel fuels carry paraffin wax which enhances lubrication and viscosity. However, the wax thickens at lower temperatures, consequently blocking fuel flow in car engines.
Another vital characteristic of winter diesel is its low pour point as low as negative 30-degrees Celsius. Pour point refers to the temperature beneath which the fuel loses its flow properties. The flow characteristics of standard diesel alter at low temperatures, causing potential harm to vehicles.
This advanced form of diesel also boasts a higher cetane rating indicating faster diesel combustion speed and compression needed for ignition. A lower sulphur content leads to fewer chemical deposits in vehicle engines, thereby promoting better performance.
Implications of Winter Diesel Use
In the midst of rising border tensions in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, the demand for winter diesel is expected to increase for patrolling purposes. Its supply to Ladakh could alleviate the challenges faced by locals regarding transportation and mobility during winter. This would, in turn, boost the local economy and tourism.
Moreover, before winter diesel’s inception, residents were using kerosene diluted with diesel, causing increased air pollution. Using winter diesel instead of kerosene will help reduce air pollution.
About Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Indian Oil Corporation Limited, popularly known as Indian Oil, is a government-owned oil and gas company established in 1959. The company operates across the entire hydrocarbon value-chain, including refining, pipeline transportation, marketing petroleum products, exploring, and producing crude oil, natural gas, and petrochemicals. It also has international subsidiaries in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Middle East.
About Directorate General Quality Assurance
The DGQA falls under the Department Of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. The organization provides Quality Assurance for the complete range of arms, ammunitions, equipment, and stores supplied to Armed Forces.
