Diesel Cars Ban by 2027
A panel formed by India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has recommended that the use of diesel-powered four-wheeler vehicles should be banned in cities with over one million people and polluted towns by 2027 to cut emissions. The committee, led by former oil secretary Tarun Kapoor, also proposed that electric and gas-fuelled vehicles should replace diesel-powered vehicles.
India, one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters globally, aims to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable energy sources to achieve its net-zero target by 2070. The panel recommended that no diesel buses should be added to city transport after 2024 and that by 2030, all city buses should be electric.
Role of Diesel in India
To encourage electric vehicle adoption, the panel suggested extending incentives beyond March 31 under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles scheme. Diesel accounts for about 40% of refined fuel consumption in India, with 80% used in the transportation sector.
The panel also proposed the construction of underground gas storage facilities to meet growing demand, using depleted oil and gas fields, salt caverns, and aquifers in collaboration with foreign gas-producing companies. It is unclear if the Ministry will seek Cabinet approval for the recommendations.