Lubricants Demand Will Change Under BS-VI Fuel Regime

The 11th edition of the ‘International Symposium on Fuels and Lubricants’ (ISFL) held in Surajkund, Delhi NCR, from April 15-17, 2018, focussed on the needs and solutions for fuels and lubricants that will be required in the emerging Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) fuel scenario.

Based on the theme ‘Next Generation Fuels & Lubricants for Future Emission Compliance’, the symposium gave special emphasis to energy efficient lubricants required for meeting Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFÉ) norms and environmental issues. In addition, novel additives, novel refinery processes/ catalysts for producing cleaner fuels meeting BS-VI specifications, alternative fuels etc. were also discussed.

Speaking at the inauguration of the event, Mr. Sanjiv Singh, Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), commented that the oil industry and its associated stakeholders as a whole are confident and ready to collaborate to address the specific needs arising due to the switch from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel norms across the country by 2020.

Robust growth of automotive sector

Dr. S.S.V. Ramakumar, Director (R&D), IOC informed the gathering from ten countries that India offers enormous business opportunities as it recorded robust growth in various industries, specifically automobile.

Mr. Tom Curtis, Corporate Vice President, Lubrizol Additives, reiterated that India has significant growth potential to emerge as a world-class manufacturing centre.

Over 350 scientists and technologists from downstream petroleum industry, auto manufacturers, and environmentalists participated in the event in which more than 125 authors from India and abroad presented research findings in presentations and posters.

Conceived and launched in 1997 by IOC’s R&D Centre to commemorate its Silver Jubilee, the ISFL series of symposia have evolved to become the biggest biennial international event to showcase advancements in fuels and lubricants.