Summary:

In this draft version released by CSE, the Fuel economy issue is highlighted and its politics is exposed. The rapid increase in fuel prices is taking toll on several countries who are struggling to control the inflation and other issues. The authors indicate that the "Transport sector is the largest user of oil – nearly half of the total consumption, and is poised to make India's oil security even more precarious. Asian Development Bank projects that the total fuel consumption of on-road vehicles in India in 2035 can be six times over that of 2005 level. Explosive growth in personal vehicles and steady shift of freight transport from railways to roadways will incite ravenous appetite for energy. The Integrated Energy Policy 2006 estimates that 50 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency can help save nearly 86 million tonnes of fuel by 2030-31, which at current prices amount to more than US $36 billion. Petroleum Conservation Research Association further interprets this to suggest that this amounts to 65 per cent of total current consumption and in terms of carbon dioxide emissions reduction it is equal to removing 7 million of today's four wheeled vehicles."

Considering the politics, economics and the climate issues in hand it is high time that the Indian Government implements a effective road map on implementing the fuel economy standards.

URL: http://cseindia.org/pdf/Fuel_Eco_Monograph_May2008.pdf