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Reference Fuels Now “Made in India”; IOCL Launches First Domestic Production
Why in News Now?
On October 26, 2023, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) launched India’s first indigenously developed gasoline and diesel reference fuels. The launch was done by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Reference fuels are specialized high-quality fuels used by auto manufacturers for testing and calibrating engines. With the launch of indigenous reference fuels, India will reduce its dependence on imported reference fuels from Europe and the US.
Overview
Sections | Details |
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Why in News Now? |
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What are Reference Fuels? |
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Significance for India |
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Chronology of Events |
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Way Forward |
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What are reference fuels?
Reference fuels are specialized high-quality fuels with stringent specifications. They are used by auto manufacturers for testing and calibrating internal combustion engines and vehicles.
Reference fuels help engine and vehicle manufacturers ensure optimal engine performance across diverse climatic conditions globally. These fuels aid in assessing vehicles’ emission characteristics as well.
Why are reference fuels needed?
Commercial fuels like regular petrol and diesel have variability in their properties. Their characteristics can differ across suppliers, batches, seasons, and geographies.
But for engine testing, standardized reference grade fuels are required so that test results are consistent and engines perform optimally when using commercial fuels.
Reference fuel specifications
Reference fuels have very tightly controlled quality parameters like density, viscosity, boiling point, vapor pressure, and sulfur content.
The octane rating, cetane rating, anti-knock properties, and combustion characteristics are also standardized for reference fuels.
Significance for India
The indigenous development and launch of reference fuels in India has wider significance.
Reduces Import Dependence
India currently imports its entire requirement of reference fuels from Europe and the United States.
The launch by IOCL will eliminate India’s import dependence for gasoline and diesel reference fuels. It is a step towards self-reliance in this high grade fuel segment.
Boosts India’s Technical Prowess
Production of reference fuels requires high technical capabilities. Very few countries worldwide have expertise in this area.
Indigenous development of reference fuels at IndianOil’s Research & Development Centre showcases India’s technical prowess. It puts India among the select countries armed with exclusive competence in reference fuels.
Promotes Auto Manufacturing
The availability of locally produced reference fuels will aid automobile manufacturers based in India for engine testing and vehicle development activities.
This is well aligned to the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives of the government. A robust domestic auto industry will further boost the demand for reference fuels.
Chronology of Events
The launch of indigenous reference fuels caps a series of efforts made over the past few years:
- Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) estimated India’s annual demand for reference fuels to be around 120 kilolitres (KL) of gasoline and 15 KL of diesel reference fuels.
- Indian Oil’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre developed in-house capability for reference fuel production as per international benchmarks.
- IOCL’s Paradip and Panipat Refineries began production of reference fuels using IOCL’s R&D expertise.
- On October 26, 2023, the first batch of indigenously developed reference fuels was formally launched by the Petroleum Minister.
Final Thoughts
The launch of indigenous reference fuel production capability is a milestone for the Indian oil and auto sector. However, more needs to be done going forward:
- Ramp up production capacities to fully eliminate imports and cater to the entire domestic demand
- Build export capabilities and tap potential markets worldwide for Indian reference fuels
- Expand reference fuel variants to keep pace with new engine technologies and changing standards
- Continue research and self-reliance in high-tech specialty fuels which are critical for India’s strategic interests
The launch of indigenous reference fuels demonstrates India’s phenomenal progress in oil refining and specialty chemicals. If nurtured appropriately, India can become a global manufacturing hub for high-technology fuels.