Wednesday, July 13, 2011
By Pranjal Gera
CERC desires fuel efficient Automobiles
The Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) have asked the Bureau of energy Efficiency (BEE) in Ahmedabad, to make fuel efficiency standards and labeling for automobiles mandatory in India. Regarding this, a representation has been sent to Director General (BEE) by CERC.
Bee has already started star labeling which indicates power consumption of electrical equipments like refrigerators, air-conditioners, ceiling fans, geysers and distribution transformers. BEE tried to implement fuel efficiency standards and labeling for four wheelers in August 2008 but the scheme was delayed due to car makers’ pressure.
The CERC wants BEE to hurry up this scheme for four-wheelers because of increasing petrol, diesel and gas prices. India has 3 million SUVs and 14 million cars and the labeling programme with essential economy standards will decrease the consumption of fuel by 20 percent for passenger vehicles. Presently, BEE is formulating the standards and might take CERC help for the same.
Reported by a reliable source, CERC stated that India is dealing with increasing fuel costs and overstretched household budgets and so it is strange that car manufacturers are escaping fuel efficiency standards and labeling. There has been an increase in air pollution and fuel consumption in the country with the increased number of cars and demand of medium and big cars over small cars.
CERC is urging Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and BEE to not surrender before automobile makers and to stay on the decision taken three years ago. BEE has full authority from the Prime Minister’s office for setting the standards which will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport.
According to the Energy Conservation Act- 2001, BEE has prepared the draft Standards in which all car makers have to increase the fuel efficiency for five-star labeled cars from current 14.1to17.3 Km/L. This will even curb global warming by reducing CO2 emissions from 165gm to 135 gm/km. Higher impact of CO2 in the atmosphere is due to long average life of Indian vehicles i.e. of 15 years or more. Other factor adding to air pollution is Fuel adulteration in the country.
