Diesel Cars to Get Banned in 4 Years? Here's What the Govt Panel Proposed

Diesel-powered cars and SUVs used to sell very well in India. To cash in on the popularity of diesel vehicle in India, Maruti Suzuki even introduced a diesel version of its popular Celerio. However, declining demand and stricter pollution regulations have since prompted many automakers to abandon diesel-powered versions of their best-selling cars. The newest development is a recommendation by a panel headed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to phase out diesel-powered four-wheeler by 2027 in cities with populations more than 1 million, in favour of electric and gas-powered alternatives. Former petroleum secretary Tarun Kapoor's Energy Transition Advisory Committee has also suggested that by 2030, public transport in cities should consist of a combination of Metro trains and electric buses.

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Panel recommendations

The group has proposed many measures to reduce carbon emissions, including the use of electric vehicles for city deliveries, the use of Metro and gas-powered trucks for transportation of freight, and a full ban on diesel cars and buses. According to the group, all intercity buses and rail lines should be electrified within the next two to three years.

The construction of underground gas storage facilities enough to meet demand for two months has also been proposed. The average annual rate of growth for this demand is predicted to be 9.78 percent from now until 2050. India has made significant progress towards this target. The market share of electric vehicles is growing rapidly in India. 

As a result of new infrastructure, various government incentives, and the introduction of new EV models, this trend is expected to continue at the same or a faster rate throughout the decade.

Automakers that Still Make Diesel Cars

The biggest producer of passenger cars in the nation, Maruti Suzuki, discontinued producing diesel cars and has given no indication that it intends to resume production of these vehicles. However, the diesel powered cars are still available in the models offered by Hyundai and Kia, as well as Toyota Motor's Innova Crysta lineup. Mahindra and Tata Motors, both Indian automakers, also produce diesel vehicles. Most automakers, however, have taken significant steps back from their diesel portfolios since 2020.

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Dieselgate Scandal

One of the primary problems of diesel engines compared to petrol engines is that they emit high amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to their greater compression ratio. However, the Volkswagen emissions scandal has been the industry's worst setback, increasing the unfavourable view of diesel in several countries, including India.

To refresh your memory, the "Dieselgate" scandal, also known as "Emissionsgate," concerned Volkswagen Group (VW) diesel cars that were found to have been equipped with unlawful software that enabled them to illegally release more dangerous pollutants than were permitted by the law