New Delhi: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has initiated the production of reference petrol and diesel, making India one of the select nations capable of producing this specialized fuel used for automotive testing. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, while launching the fuel on Thursday, October 26, stated that this achievement is a step toward India's self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and will reduce the need for fuel imports.

IOC is now the fourth global refiner to produce reference fuels, joining only three other suppliers worldwide, including Chevron from the United States. The Paradip refinery in Odisha will produce 'reference' grade petrol, and the Panipat unit in Haryana will produce high-quality diesel.

These specialized fuels are essential for calibrating and testing vehicles by manufacturers and testing agencies such as the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and the Automotive Research Association of India. India has historically relied on imports to meet the demand for these fuels. IOC's domestic production of reference fuels will replace imports, ensuring a reliable supply at a lower cost for vehicle manufacturers and testing agencies.

/BI