China postpones new diesel emission standards to 2013

China has once again postponed plans for the nationwide introduction of the China IV Standard for diesel emissions, which was issued in 2005 and was scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2011 but was postponed to January this year. The policy is similar to the Euro IV Standards and would have mandated truck manufacturers to install cleaner engines. Although it is an essential aspect in Beijing’s efforts to reduce smog, the government has once again postponed its implementation to July 2013 primarily because for the policy to be effective, petrol stations will be required to sell higher-grade fuel which has lower levels of sulfur. Studies indicate that vehicle exhaust pipes in China contribute more than 70% of nitrogen oxides in Beijing which produces roadside PM2.5 levels, considered to be the biggest threat to health. The environment ministry has found it difficult to impose additional costs on the country’s biggest petrol companies because these firms have considerable political and lobbying resources. Although the oil firms have the technical capability to improve fuel quality, they are reluctant to bear the costs. “The irresponsible failure of the oil industry to respond to the serious environmental problems by providing the necessary low sulfur fuels is seriously hampering further progress especially with diesel trucks and buses, jeopardizing public health and undercutting the government’s efforts to substantially reduce nitrogen oxide emissions as called for in the 12th five-year plan,” said Michael Walsh, chairman of the International Council on Clean Transportation. (February 2, 2012)