IOC Breaks Ground on Domestic ‘Benchmark’ Fuel and Diesel Production for Vehicle Testing
Significant progress has been made in the country’s automobile sector with the launch of the Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOC) innovative ‘benchmark’ petrol and diesel output. Automobile makers and testing organizations like the Automotive Research Association of India and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) seek for these high-specification fuels since they are essential for the calibration and assessment of automobiles.
India has been dependent on gasoline imports for many years to fulfill its need for these specialty fuels. This paradigm is about to undergo a fundamental shift, however, as the IOC has successfully designed its own locally made alternatives, guaranteeing a consistent supply for testing organizations and car manufacturers at a significant cost savings.
Regular and premium versions of gasoline and diesel have historically been the two main categories that fuel dealers like the IOC have provided via their vast network of service stations. The octane rating is the primary characteristic that differentiates normal and premium gasoline. Premium gasoline may have an octane rating of 91 or more, while standard fuel normally has an octane number of 87.
One important indicator of how well gasoline ignites is its octane rating. Nevertheless, the fuel must meet stricter requirements than ordinary or premium gasoline and diesel in order to pass the demanding vehicle testing. Numerous parameters, such as the Cetane number, flash point, viscosity, sulfur content, water content, hydrogen purity, and acid number, are mandated by government laws. ‘Benchmark’ gasoline and diesel are these specialty fuels that meet these strict standards.
‘Benchmark’ fuels are widely used in emission testing, especially for cars with spark-ignition systems. Because of the relatively modest volume needs, refineries have not been producing these fuels in substantial amounts until recently.
at line with the government’s objective of achieving Aatmanirbhar, or self-sufficiency, IOC has initiated the manufacturing of these vital fuels at its refineries. India’s Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, is anticipated to be present at a special gathering to publicly disclose this historic action.
In addition to IOC, the country’s leading fuel retailers are Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), with a combined market share of about 90%.
