Question : UPGRADATION OF REFINERIES

(a) whether all the refineries in the country except BRPL have already upgraded their process technology to meet diesel quality (Bharat Stage-II) with effect from April, 2005;

(b) if so, whether the Government have any plan to upgrade their process technology for meeting Bhart Stage-II and Bharat Stage-III specifications from April, 2005 and 2010 (likely to advance to 2007), respectively;

(c) if so, the details thereof including action taken so far in this regard; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) No, Sir.

(b) to (d): The Government, in January 2002, accepted the interim recommendations of the Mashelkar Committee on Auto Fuel Policy to supply petrol and diesel of Bharat Stage-II specifications in the entire country and of Euro-III equivalent specifications in the seven mega cities from 1.4.2005.

The Government have advised the oil companies in respect of the above decisions and the oil companies are implementing / finalizing the product quality improvement projects to produce petrol and diesel of the required specifications by the appointed date.