Government of Pakistan has decided to graduate to Euro II international standard for petrol from 1st March. Euro II petrol reduces sulphur, benzene and tar content. However similar standards for high speed diesel is postponed for two years till December 2014. This Euro II petrol will not have additional cost to consumrers. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain has instructed oil refining companies to ensure supply of quality products to retail outlets.
“From March 1 onwards, only the Euro-II petrol would be available in the market”, Dr Asim Hussain said. He added that Euro-II standard would reduce sulphur content in petrol from 0.1 per cent to 0.05pc while benzene and tar content would also be down by a half.
In 2009 Government planned to introduce Euro-II emission standards for all petrol-related vehicles from July 2009, while such standards for diesel vehicles would be enforced from July 2012. But that didn’t happen.