Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched India’s first home-produced Reference Fuel in New Delhi on October 26, 2023. It’s used for developing engines and assessing their performance.
- The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) developed these higher-specification reference fuels to replace imports and ensure a reliable supply at a lower cost.
- Indian Oil’s Paradip and Panipat refineries will produce the reference fuel.
- These fuels are used for calibration and testing of vehicles by automobile manufacturers and testing agencies like the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and the Automotive Research Association of India.
- India’s self-reliance strategy aims to end the country’s reliance on imports in the energy sector.
- This marks the first time India has ventured into the production of reference gasoline and diesel fuels, reducing import dependency.
- The move is a significant step toward achieving India’s goal of energy self-reliance, reducing the carbon footprint, and having a cost advantage by ending imports.
MCQs on Reference Fuel
Q.: What is the primary purpose of Reference Fuel?
a) Fuel for vehicles
b) Fuel for household use
c) Developing engines and assessing their performance
d) An alternative to conventional fuels
Ans : c) Developing engines and assessing their performance
Q.: Which organization developed the Reference Fuel to replace imports?
a) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
b) Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
c) Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)
d) International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT)
Ans : b) Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
