No decision on banning diesel vehicles in cities: Petroleum Ministry

The government hasn’t taken a decision on accepting the Energy Transition Advisory Committee (ETAC) report’s recommendation that called for a ban on diesel-powered vehicles in big cities by 2027, the petroleum ministry said on Tuesday.

“Report of the Energy Transition Advisory Committee #ETAC has been received by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas (MOPNG). The government of India is yet to accept ETAC Report,” the ministry said on Twitter.

“The suggestions of ETAC relate to multiple ministries & a range of stakeholders including States. Consultations with various stakeholders on the #report are yet to be initiated,” it said. “ETAC has made wide-ranging and forward-looking recommendations for shift to Low Carbon Energy. ETAC has a futuristic outlook.”

The petroleum ministry’s advisory committee has recommended a big shift to electrification in mobility and policy initiatives to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

“Diesel-driven four-wheelers may be eliminated as soon as possible. Therefore, a ban on diesel-powered four-wheelers in all million-plus cities and all towns with high pollution has to be enforced in five years, i.e. by 2027,” the committee said in its report, adding that no diesel-powered city buses should be added in urban areas.

Only electric city delivery vehicles should be registered from 2024 so that in the next 10 years, 75% of the city delivery vehicles can be electric in all the million-plus cities, the committee said.

The panel also recommended the share of railways rise to 50% in national freight in 15 years from 23% now.