The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has taken a groundbreaking step by commencing the production of specialized ‘reference’ petrol and diesel in India. These fuels, which possess higher specifications, play a crucial role in the calibration and testing of automobiles and are utilized by automobile manufacturers and testing agencies such as the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and the Automotive Research Association of India.
A Shift Towards Self-Reliance
For several decades, India had been reliant on imports to fulfill the demand for these specialized fuels. However, the IOC has now developed these products locally, marking a significant shift towards self-reliance. This transition ensures a dependable and cost-effective supply for vehicle manufacturers and testing agencies.
The Significance of ‘Reference’ Fuels
Fuel retailers like the IOC typically sell two main kinds of petrol and diesel through their network of fuel stations – regular and premium. The primary distinction between these fuels lies in the octane number. While regular fuel has an octane number of 87, premium fuel boasts an octane number of 91 or even higher. The octane number measures the ignition quality of petrol.
However, for the purpose of testing vehicles, the fuel must meet higher-grade specifications than regular or premium fuel. These specifications, which include the Cetane number, flash point, viscosity, sulfur and water content, hydrogen purity, and acid number, are outlined under government regulations. Such fuels, designed for testing vehicles with spark ignition engines, are referred to as ‘reference’ petrol and diesel.
Sources indicate that since the volume requirements for these specialized fuels were historically not very high, refineries did not produce them, leading to their importation.
IOC’s Commitment to Self-Reliance
The IOC’s decision to produce ‘reference’ petrol and diesel aligns with the Indian government’s objective of becoming “Aatmanirbhar,” or self-reliant. This move signifies a significant stride towards ensuring a domestic supply of these essential fuels.
The unveiling of these fuels is expected to take place at a forthcoming event featuring the participation of Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Apart from the IOC, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) are the other two prominent fuel retailers in the country. Collectively, these three state-owned firms dominate approximately 90 percent of the market.
