WORKING PAPER 2021-17

© 2021 INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON CLEAN TRANSPORTATION

APRIL 2021

Gasoline and diesel fuel quality

survey for India: Part 2
Authors: Bharadwaj Sathiamoorthy and Anup Bandivadekar
Keywords: gasoline, diesel, Bharat Stage VI, vehicle emissions, fuel quality, fuel standards

Background
The ICCT began a two-part survey of motor gasoline and diesel fuel in India in December
2019, and phase I was carried out between December 2019 and January 2020. This was
just prior to the implementation of Bharat Stage (BS) VI vehicle emission standards,
which also include new fuel specifications. Phase I was meant to assess both the average
deviations from the BS IV specifications in place at the time and the overall readiness
of suppliers to meet BS VI specifications (Sathiamoorthy & Bandivadekar, 2020). The
data analyzed showed that a few retailers sold non-compliant fuel, but overall there
was promising readiness toward full compliance with BS VI from April 1, 2020 onward.
Results also pointed to the need for robust fuel quality monitoring both upstream and
downstream along the fuel supply chain.

Samples for phase II were drawn between July and November 2020. The major
difference from BS IV to BS VI is the sulfur content limit, which is reduced to 10 parts
per million (ppm) from 50 ppm. The methodology for sample collection and analysis
in phase II remained the same as in phase I and was carried out again by SGS Germany
GmbH. Some additional parameters for gasoline and diesel were analyzed in phase
II: ash, water content, and metal additives. Each of these can negatively affect new
aftertreatment systems and increase tailpipe emissions.

We intended to take samples from the same retail outlets as in phase I, but were
restricted by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both retail outlets in Cochin
and one each in Patna and Ranchi were inaccessible in phase II and thus were replaced
by four retail outlets from Chennai. Table 1 shows the BS IV and BS VI fuel specifications,
as listed in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, 2017a; BIS, 2017b), and Table 2 shows
the retail station identifications (IDs) we applied and the location for each sample. Table
www.theicct.org
2 also lists if the outlet is Dealer Owned Dealer Operated (DODO), Company Owned
Company Operated (COCO), or Company Owned Dealer Operated (CODO). communications@theicct.org

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Table 1. BS IV and BS VI fuel standards

Characteristics Unit Bharat Stage IV Bharat Stage VI

Gasoline
2010 (selected
Implementation date cities), 2017 2020
(nationwide)
kilograms (kg)/cubic
Density 15°C 720–775 720–775
meter (m3)
Research octane number (RON) minimum 91/95a 91/95
Anti-knock index (AKI) or motor octane number (MON) minimum 81/85 81/85
Sulfur, max ppm 50 10
Lead, max grams (g)/liter (L) 0.005 0.005
Benzene, max % volume 1.0 1.0
Aromatics, max  % volume 35 35
Olefin, max  % volume 21/18 a
21/18a
Oxygen content, max  % mass 2.7 2.7
Reid vapor pressure (RVP) @ 37.8ºC, max kilopascal (kPa) 60 60
Diesel
2010 (selected
Implementation date cities), 2017 2020
(nationwide)
Ash, max  % mass 0.01 0.01
Carbon residue (Ramsbottom) on 10% residue, max  b
 % mass 0.3 0.3
Cetane number (CN), min — 51 51
Cetane index (CI), min — 46 46
Distillation 95% vol. recovery at °C, max °C 360 370
Flash point Abel, min °C 35 35
Kinematic viscosity @ 40 °C centistokes (cSt) 2.0–4.5 2–4.5
Density @ 15 °C kg/m3 815–845 810–845
Total sulfur, max milligram (mg)/kg 50 10
Water content, max mg/kg 200 200
Cold filter plugging point (CFPP)
°C 18 18
a) summer, max
°C 6 6
b) winter, max
Total contaminations, max mg/kg 24 24
Oxidation stability, max g/m 3
25 25
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), max  % mass 8 8
Lubricity, corrected wear scar diameter (wsd 1,4) @ 60 °C, max μm (microns) 460 460
Copper strip corrosion for 3 hours @ 50 °C Rating Class I Class I
a
Fuel quality specification for regular/premium gasoline.
b
 his limit is applicable prior to the addition of any ignition improvers. In case a value exceeding the limit is obtained on finished fuels in the market,
T
ASTM D 4046 / ISO 13759 shall be used to establish the presence of nitrate-containing compounds. In such case, the present limit for carbon residue
cannot be applied. However, the use of an ignition improver does not exempt the manufacturer from meeting this requirement prior to the addition
of additives.

2 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Table 2. Sampling IDs and locations

Retail station # Gasoline sample ID Diesel sample ID Outlet type

AMBD1 Ahmedabad1 Ahmedabad1 DODO
AMBD2 Ahmedabad2 Ahmedabad2 DODO
KAN1 Kanpur1 Kanpur1 DODO
KAN2 Kanpur2 Kanpur2 DODO
MYSR1 Mysuru1 DODO
MYSR2 Mysuru2 DODO
MYSR3 Mysuru3 DODO
MYSR4 Mysuru4 DODO
NGPR1 Nagpur1 DODO
NGPR2 Nagpur2 CODO
NGPR3 Nagpur3 CODO
NGPR4 Nagpur4 DODO
NDHL1 New Dehi1 DODO
NDHL2 New Delhi2 DODO
NDHL3 New Delhi3 DODO
NDHL4 New Delhi4 DODO
PTNA1 Patna1 DODO
PTNA2 Patna2 DODO
RNCH2 Ranchi2 DODO
RNCH3 Ranchi3 DODO
SHML1 Shimla1 Shimla1 DODO
SHML2 Shimla2 Shimla2 DODO
THAN1 Thane1 Thane1 CODO
THAN2 Thane2 Thane2 DODO
VSKP1 Visakhapatnam1 COCO
VSKP2 Visakhapatnam2 DODO
VSKP3 Visakhapatnam3 DODO
VSKP4 Visakhapatnam4 DODO
VRNS1 Varanasi1 Varanasi1 DODO
VRNS2 Varanasi2 Varanasi2 DODO
MUMB1 Mumbai1 Mumbai1 DODO
MUMB2 Mumbai2 Mumbai2 DODO
BNSW1 Bhubaneswar1 DODO
BNSW2 Bhubaneswar2 DODO
BNSW3 Bhubaneswar3 DODO
BNSW4 Bhubaneswar4 DODO
UDPR1 Udaipur1 DODO
UDPR2 Udaipur2 DODO
UDPR3 Udaipur3 DODO
UDPR4 Udaipur4 DODO
CHEN1 Chennai1 Chennai1 COCO
CHEN2 Chennai2 Chennai2 COCO
CHEN3 Chennai3 Chennai3 CODO
CHEN4 Chennai4 Chennai4 CODO

3 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Table 3 lists the standard testing protocols as recommended in the BIS. The testing
standards we used to analyze respective compounds in this study are listed in bold and
italics in the table below, which also contains other standards that could be used for
analyzing the same compounds.

Table 3. BIS gasoline and diesel specifications/standard reference

Parameter BIS recommended standards

analyzed (the standard used for this analysis is in bold) Remarks
Petrol
Oxygen content was also measured
Aromatics ASTM D 1319 / D 5580/ D 6730 / D 6839 /ISO 22854
using the same test method.
ASTM D 3606 / D 55809 / D 6277 /
Benzene
D 6730 / D 6839 / ISO 22854
Olefins ASTM D 1319 / D 6730 / D 6839 / ISO 22854
ISO 22854 was used as an alternative to ASTM D 5599
Ethanol ASTM D 48159 / D 5599
since it is more precise for ethanol contents above 1%.
Octane (RON) ASTM D 2699
All samples were measured by ASTM D 2622.
P: 34 / P: 153 / ISO 20847 / ISO 208469 / ISO 130329
Sulfur content Samples with less than 10mg/l were
/ ASTM D 2622 / D 3120 / D 5453 / D 7220
measured additionally by ASTM D 5453.
P : 39 / ASTM D 323 (wet methods) /
RVP
D 5191(dry method) / D 6378 / EN 13016
[P:16] / ISO 3675 / ASTM D 4052 /
Density
ISO 12185 / ASTM D 1298 / IP 160
Metallic additives SGS M 2533: ICP No specific test method listed in BIS.
Diesel
Cetane number ASTM D 613
ISO 130329 / ISO 20884 / ISO 208469 / ASTM D 5453 All samples were measured by ASTM D 2622.
Sulfur content /ASTM D 2622 / ASTM D 7220 / [P : 34] for Bharat Samples with less than 10 mg/l were
Stage IV grade only [P : 153] / ASTM D 4294 measured additionally by ASTM D 5453.
[P:16]/ ISO 3675 / ASTM D 4052 /
Density
ISO 12185 / ASTM D 1298 / IP 160
Ash content ASTM D 482
Water content ISO 12937 / ASTM D 6304

Results and discussion

Gasoline results
Samples from almost all retail outlets mostly complied with BS VI specifications. One
exception is gasoline oxygen content, and nearly one-third of all samples analyzed
exceeded the BS VI limits.

4 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
 Figure 1, below, shows the sulfur content results, and all the retail outlets were compliant
with the BS VI sulfur limit.

10
BS VI fuel sulfur standard (10ppm)

7
Concentration (ppm)

0
BD -P2
2
2
PR P2
P P2
H P2
H P2
A P2
AN P2
K P2
KP P2
2
2
PR P2
PR P2

H 2
N 2
N 2
NA 2
CH P2
M P2
N P2
N P2
P2
SW -P2
E P2
E P2
E P2
EN P2
P2
YS P
YS P

UM 2-P
UM -P

CO 2-P
KA 2-P
KA 1-P
PT 2-P
M 2-
M R1-
NG 2-
NG 1-
ND R2-
ND L1 -
TH L2-
TH N1-
VS 2-
VS P1-

UD B2-
UD 1-

RN 1-
SH 2-
VR L1-
VR S1-
BN S2-

CH 2-
CH N1-
CH N2-
CH N3-
4-
AM D1

M B1

BN W1
R
B

S
AM

Figure 1. Sulfur content of all gasoline samples.

The RVP standards did not change between BS IV and BS VI and remained capped at
60. From the fuel we analyzed from all outlets, four retail outlets were out of compliance:
two marginally out of compliance, one out of compliance by 2.5%, and another out of
compliance by 4.5%. This does not significantly impact tailpipe emissions.

70

BS VI fuel RVP standard (60 max)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
M D2 2
M SR 2
N R2 2
N PR 2
N R2 2
H -P2

TH L2 2
A - P2

V P1 2
M P2 2
M MB 2

U B2 2
U R1 2
P P2

H 2
N 2

PT 2 2
R A 2

SH H2 2
V L1 2
V S1 2
B S2 2
B W 2

C 2 2
C N 2
EN P2

C N3 2
EN -P2

2
Y 1- P
G -P

P P

H P

A 1-P
SK -P

M P
D -P

O P
K 2-P

A P

H -P

E P
B P
Y -P

SK -P
U -P

N -P
C P
M -P
R -P
R -P

S -P
SW P

P
G 1-

D -

U 1-

H 1-
M 1-

D -
C 2-

K 1-

N 1-

N 1-

H 2-

4-
V N2
N L1

TH N
A BD

N
P

E
A

N
S
M

H
N
A

Figure 2. RVP analyzed in all gasoline samples.

5 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
6
A A
M M

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
A BD A BD
M 1- M 1-
B P B P
M D2 2 M D2 2
Y -P Y -P
S
M R1 2 M SR1 2
Y -P Y -P
SR 2 S
N 2 N R2 2
G -P G -P
P
N R1 2 N PR1 2
G -P G -P
PR 2 P
N N R2 2
D 2-P D -
H H P2
N L1 2 N L1
D -P D -P
H H
TH L2 2 TH L2 2
A -P A -P
TH N1 2 TH N 2
A -P A 1-P
N 2 N 2
V 2- V 2-
SK P SK P
V P1 2 V P1 2
SK -P SK -P
M P2 2 M P2 2
U -P U -P
M MB 2 M MB 2

samples complied with the BS VI limit.

U 1- U 1-
M P M P
U B2 2 U B2 2

Figure 3. RON analyzed in all gasoline samples.

D -P D -P
P P
U R1 2 U R1 2
D -P D -P
PR 2 PR 2
C 2- C 2-
O P O P
H 2 H 2
K 2-P
K 2-P
A A
N 2 N 2
K 1- K 1-
A P A P
N

Figure 4. Aromatics content analyzed in all gasoline samples.

PT N2 2 PT 2 2
N -P N -P
R A 2 R A 2
N 1- N 1-
C P C P
SH H2 2 SH H2 2
illustrated in Figure 3, all outlets complied with the standards.

M -P2 M -P
V L1 V L1 2

BS IV, VI fuel aromatics standard (35% max)

R -P
R -P
N N
V S1 2 V S1 2
R -P
R -P N
BS VI fuel RON standard (91 min for regular gasoline)

N B S2 2
B S2 2 N -
N - S P
S P B W 2
B W 2 N 1-
N 1- SW P
SW P
C 2 2 C 2 2
H -P
H -P
E E
C N1 2 C N1 2
H - H -
EN P2
C
EN P2 C
H 2- H 2-
E P E P
C N3 2
C N3 2
H H
Similar to RVP, the RON standards also did not change between BS IV and BS VI. As

EN -P2 EN -P2
The requirements for aromatics also remained the same between BS IV and BS VI. All

4- 4-
P2 P2

ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Gasoline density standards, which are in the 720–775 kg/m3 range, have not changed
since BS III. All samples analyzed complied with the BS VI requirement.

775
BS VI fuel density standard (775kg/m3 max)

765

755

745

735

725
BS VI fuel density standard (720kg/m3 min)

715

705

695
M D2 2
M SR1 2
N R2 2
N PR1 2
N R2 2
H P2

TH L2 2
TH N 2
N 2

V P1 2
M P2 2
M MB 2

U B2 2
U R1 2
PR P2

H 2
N 2

PT 2 2
R A 2

SH H2 2
V L1 2
V S1 2
B S2 2
B W 2

C 2 2
C N1 2
EN P2

C N3 2
2
P2
B P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P

P P

H P
A -P
A 1-P
SK P
SK -P
U -P

M P
D -P

O P
K 2-P

A P
N -P
C P
M -P
R -P
R -P

S -P
SW P
H -P

E P
EN -P
M 1-

G -
D -
D -

V 2-

U 1-

D -
C 2-

K 1-

N 1-

N 1-

H -
H 2-

4-
N L1
A BD

N
P

E
N
S
M

H
N
A

C
Figure 5. Density analyzed in all gasoline samples.

The standard for maximum olefin content has also not changed since BS III and remains
at 21% for regular grade gasoline in BS VI fuel specifications. As shown in Figure 6, all
samples analyzed met the standard.

21
BS IV, VI fuel olefins standard for regular grade gasoline (21% max)

18

15

12

0
M D2 2
M R1 2
SR 2

N R1 2
PR 2

N L1 2
TH L2 2
TH N1 2
N 2

V P1 2
M P2 2
M MB 2

U B2 2
U R1 2
PR 2

H 2
N 2
2

R A 2
C P2
M P2

V S1 2
B S2 2
B W 2

C 2 2
C N1 2
EN P2

C N3 2
EN -P2
P2
B P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P
G -P
D 2-P
D -P

A -P
A -P
SK P
SK -P
U -P

M P
D -P
D -P

O P
K 2-P

A P
N -P

R -P
R -P

S -P
SW P
H -P

E P
M 1-

V 2-

U 1-

C 2-

K 1-

N 1-
SH H2-

N 1-

H -
H 2-

4-
N 2

PT 2

V L1
A BD

N
S

E
H

N
H
M

H
N
A

C
N

Figure 6. Olefin content analyzed in all gasoline samples.

7 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
One of the critical aspects of India’s fuel standards is the benzene limit of 1%, which has
not changed since BS II. Figure 7 shows that only one sample was non-compliant, and it
still fell inside the allowed measurement error for this test.1

1.00
BS IV, VI fuel benzene standard (1% max)
0.90

0.80

0.70

0.60

0.50

0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00
M D2 2
M R1 2
SR 2

N R1 2
PR 2

N L1 2
TH L2 2
TH N1 2
N 2

V P1 2
M P2 2
M MB 2

U B2 2
U R1 2
PR 2

H 2
N 2
2
N -P2

SH H2 2
V L1 2
V S1 2
B S2 2
B W 2

C 2 2
C N1 2
EN P2

C N3 2
EN -P2
P2
B P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P
G -P

H P
D -P

A -P
A -P
SK P
SK -P
U -P

M P
D -P
D -P

O P
K 2-P

A P

C P
M -P
R -P
R -P

S -P
SW P
H -P

E P
M 1-

D 2-

V 2-

U 1-

C 2-

K 1-

N 1-

N 1-

H -
H 2-

4-
N 2

PT 2
A BD

R A
N

N
S

E
H

N
M

H
N
A

C
N

Figure 7. Benzene content analyzed in all gasoline samples.

No change was made for ethanol content from BS IV to BS VI. The ethanol content
allowed in regular gasoline is up to 5%, and in E10 fuel, it is up to 10%. All samples
complied with the respective standards for regular and E10 fuel.
12
BS IV, VI fuel ethanol standard for E10 gasoline (10% max)
10

6 BS VI fuel ethanol standard for motor gasoline (5% max)

0
M D2 2
M R1 2
SR 2

N R1 2
PR 2

N L1 2
TH L2 2
TH N1 2
A -P2

V P1 2
M P2 2
M B 2
M P2

U R1 2
PR 2

H 2
N 2
A P2

R A1 2
2
M -P2

V S1 2
B S2 2
B W 2

C 2 2
C N1 2
EN 2

C N3 2
EN -P2
P2
B -P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P
G -P
D 2-P
D -P

A -P

SK P
SK -P
U -P

D -P
D -P

O P
K 2-P

N P
N -P

R -P
R -P

S -P
SW P
H -P
H -P
H 2-P
V 2-

U 1-

C 2-

K 1-
PT 2-

N 1-

4-
1

N 2

U B2

SH H2
V L1
D

N
S

P
B

E
H

N
H

E
M
M

H
N
A

C
N
A

Figure 8. Ethanol content analyzed in all ethanol samples.

The maximum allowable limit for oxygen content in gasoline has not changed since BS
IV. Eight samples were found to be out of compliance with the BS VI limit (Figure 9).
Note that oxygenated fuels with ethanol content are expected to have higher oxygen
content than those without ethanol. Generally oxygen content in gasoline is likely to
lead to higher emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the standards limit oxygen for
this reason. However, it should be noted that these standards were first adopted during
a time when most gasoline engines were running “open loop” and some vehicles were
even carbureted. While newer engines equipped with closed-loop fuel injection actively
monitor air-to-fuel ratio using an oxygen sensor and could mitigate the risk of any excess

1  Test laboratory SGS reported a repeatability of 0.02% and reproducibility of 0.1% for the benzene tests conducted.

8 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
 tailpipe NOx that could result from higher fuel oxygen content, engines running open
loop or carbureted, like several BS IV and pre-BS IV engines (for two-wheelers, three-
wheelers, and even some passenger cars), could be at risk of emitting excess NOx.

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0
BS VI fuel oxygen content standard (2.7% max)
2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0
M D2 2
M R1 2
SR 2

N R1 2
PR 2

N L1 2
TH L2 2
TH N1 2
N 2

V P1 2
M P2 2
M MB 2

U B2 2
U R1 2
PR 2

H 2
N 2

PT 2 2
R A 2

SH H2 2
V L1 2
V S1 2
B S2 2
B W 2

C 2 2
C N1 2
EN P2

C N3 2
EN -P2
P2
B P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P
G -P

H P
D -P

A -P
A -P
SK P
SK -P
U -P

M P
D -P
D -P

O P
K 2-P

A P
N -P
C P
M -P
R -P
R -P

S -P
SW P
H -P

E P
M 1-

D 2-

V 2-

U 1-

C 2-

K 1-

N 1-

N 1-

H -
H 2-

4-
N 2
A BD

N
S

E
H

N
M

H
N
A

C
N

Figure 9. Oxygen content analyzed in all samples.

Diesel results
The next three figures show the results of analysis of the diesel samples that were also
obtained from the same retail outlets as in phase I (except four outlets which were
replaced by outlets in Chennai). Just like in gasoline, one of the major changes for BS VI
is the sulfur limit at 10 ppm. Figure 10 below shows that all diesel samples complied with
the BS VI sulfur limit.

10
BS VI diesel sulfur standard (10ppm)

7
Concentration (ppm)

0
N2 2
YS -P2

M P2

N P2
AN P2

KP P2
N P2

E P2
BD P2

2
PR P2
P P2
H P2
H P2
M P2

A P2

K P2

PR P2
N P2
C P2
N 2

SW -P2

E P2
EN P2
P2
2
P P2

SW -P2

E P2
KA 1-P

UM -P
YS P
KA 2-P

UM -P
SH L1-

VR S1-
TH N1-

VS P3-
VR 4-

CH N1-
1-

M R3-
NG R4-
NG 3-
ND R4-
ND L3-
SH L4-

TH L2-

VS 2-

UD R3-
PT 4-
RN A2-

CH N2-
CH N3-
4-
UD B4-

CH 4-
M S2

BN H3
M B3

BN 3
BD
AM
AM

Figure 10. Sulfur content analyzed in all diesel samples.

9 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
The minimum cetane number requirement did not change from BS IV to BS VI, and it
remains at 51. All outlets complied with the minimum required standard.

58
57
56
55
54
53
52
BS IV, VI cetane number standard for diesel fuel (51 min)
51
50
49
48
B P2

N 2
M 2 2
M R3 2
SR 2

N R3 2
PR P2

N L3 2
2
M P2

TH L2 2
TH N1 2
V N2 2
V P3 2
2
N 2

M S2 2
M B 2

U B4 2
U R3 2
PR P2

R A2 2
B H 2
2
2
EN 2

C N2 2
EN P2
EN P2
P2
K 2-P

A P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P

D -P
D -P

M -P
A -P
A -P
SK -P
SK -P
R -P
R -P

M -P
M P
D -P

N -P
C P
SW P
SW P
H -P

E P
M 1-

K 1-

G -

SH L4-

U 3-

D -

N -
N 3-
N 3-

H 1-
H -
H 3-
4-
N 4

N 4

SH L1

V P4
V S1

PT 4

C 4
A BD
D

N
A

N
H
S

P
M

U
A

C
B
Figure 11. Cetane number analyzed in all diesel samples.

The density standard range increased to 810–845 kg/m3 in BS VI regulations from

the previous range of 815–845 kg/m3 in BS IV. All samples tested complied with
BS VI regulations.
845
BS VI fuel density max (845 kg/m3 max)

840

835

830

825

820

815

BS VI fuel density min (810 kg/m3 min)

810

805

800
B P2

N 2
M 2 2
M R3 2
SR 2

N R3 2
PR P2

N L3 2
2
M -P2

TH L2 2
TH N1 2
V N2 2
V P3 2
V P4 2
V S1 2
M S2 2
M B 2

U B4 2
U R3 2
PR P2

R A2 2
B H3 2
2

C 4 2
C N1 2
EN 2

C N3 2
EN -P2
P2
K 2-P

A P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P

D -P
D -P

M -P
A -P
A -P
SK -P
SK -P
R -P
R -P

M -P
M P
D -P

N -P
C P
SW -P
SW P
H -P
H -P

E P
M 1-

K 1-

G -

U 3-

D -

N -

N 3-

H 2-

4-
N 4

N 4

SH L4
SH L1

PT 4
A BD
D

N
A

E
H

N
H
S

P
M

H
U

N
A

C
B

Figure 12. Density analyzed in all diesel samples.

10 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
All samples analyzed complied with the BS VI limit for ash content in diesel.

0.010
BS VI ash limit max (0.01% mass max.)

0.008

0.006

0.004

0.002

0.000
V S1 2
M NS P2
M B P2
D 2
N 2
M 2 2
M R3 2
SR 2

N R3 2
PR P2

N L3 2
H P2

SH L1 2
TH L2 2
TH N 2
V N2 2
V P3 2
V P4 2

U B4 2
U R3 2
PR P2

R A2 2
B H P2

N 3 2
C 4 2
C N 2
EN P2

C N3 2
2
P2
R -P
B P
K 2-P

A P
Y -P
Y -P

P P

H P

M -P
M -P
A -P
A 1-P
SK -P
SK -P

M P
P P

N -P

SW P
SW -P
H -P

E P
EN -P
R -
U 2-
M 1-

K 1-

G -
G -
D -
D -

U 3-
D -
D -

N -
N 3-

H 1-
H 2-

4-
N 4

N 4

SH L4

PT 4
A BD

N
A

E
S

C
M

H
A

C
B
Figure 13. Ash content analyzed in all diesel samples.

Analysis of water content found that all samples complied with the maximum 200 mg/
kg BS VI limit, and this is shown in Figure 14 below.

200
BS VI water content max (200 mg/kg max.)
180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
V S1 2
M S2 2
M B 2
B P2
A P2

M N2 2
M R3 2
SR 2

N R3 2
PR P2

N L3 2
H P2

SH L1 2
TH L2 2
TH N1 2
V N2 2
V P3 2
V P4 2

U B4 2
U R3 2
PT R4 2
R A2 2
B H 2
2

C 4 2
C N1 2
EN P2

C N3 2
EN -P2
P2
A P
Y -P
Y -P
G -P

D -P

M -P
M -P
A -P
A -P
SK -P
SK -P
R -P
R -P

M -P
M P
P P
P P
N -P
C P
SW P
SW -P
H -P

E P
M 1-
K 2-
K 1-

G -

D -

U 3-
D -
D -

N -
N 3-

H -
H 2-

4-
N 4

N 4

SH L4

N 3
A BD

N
D

E
H

N
S

P
M

H
U
A

C
B

Figure 14. Water content analyzed in all diesel samples.

Comparison of phase I, BS IV, and phase II, BS VI

The figures in this section show how results from phase I compare to results for phase II
for the same retail outlets. Since the sampling periods for the two phases were in BS IV
and BS VI era, respectively, these figures illustrate how these retail outlets transitioned
from BS IV to BS VI.

11 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Gasoline comparison
Figure 15 shows the density comparison between samples analyzed in phase I and phase
II. Overall, a slight increase in density is seen across BS VI samples, and they all remain
within the required density range.

AMBD1
760
VSKP2 AMBD2
VSKP1 750
BNSW1
BS VI
UDPR2 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI
740
UDPR1 COH2
730

VRNS2 720 KAN1

710
VRNS1 KAN2
700
THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2
PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1

Figure 15. Density comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

Figure 16 compares the RON of samples analyzed in phase I and phase II. Overall, a slight
increase in RON is seen across all BS VI samples.

AMBD1
VSKP2 96 AMBD2
VSKP1 95 BNSW1 BS VI
UDPR2 94 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI
93
UDPR1 92 COH2

91
VRNS2 90 KAN1
89
VRNS1 88 KAN2
87
THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2
PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1

Figure 16. RON comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

12 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Figure 17 shows the comparison of RVP between samples analyzed in phase I and phase
II, and no tangible difference is observed.

AMBD1
VSKP2 70 AMBD2
VSKP1 BNSW1
65 BS VI
UDPR2 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI
60
UDPR1 COH2
55
VRNS2 50 KAN1

45
VRNS1 KAN2
40
THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2
PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1
Figure 17. RVP comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

Figure 18 shows the comparison of aromatics between samples analyzed in phase I and
phase II. No significant difference was observed.

AMBD1
VSKP2 40 AMBD2
VSKP1 35 BNSW1
BS VI
UDPR2 30 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI

UDPR1 25 COH2
20
15
VRNS2 KAN1
10
5
VRNS1 KAN2
0
THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2
PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1

Figure 18. Aromatics comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

13 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Figure 19 compares olefins between samples in phase I and phase II. Here, too, no
significant difference was observed between the samples.

AMBD1
VSKP2 20 AMBD2
VSKP1 18 BNSW1
BS VI
UDPR2 16 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI
14
12 COH2
UDPR1
10
8
VRNS2 KAN1
6
4
VRNS1 2 KAN2
0

THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2

PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1

Figure 19. Olefins comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

Benzene samples analyzed in phase I are compared with those analyzed in phase II in
Figure 20. Only one sample was found to be marginally non-compliant among all BS VI
samples, as opposed to five non-compliant samples from the phase I testing.

AMBD1
VSKP2 1.4 AMBD2
VSKP1 1.2 BNSW1
BS VI
UDPR2 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI
1
0.8
UDPR1 COH2
0.6
VRNS2 KAN1
0.4

0.2
VRNS1 KAN2
0
THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2

PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1

Figure 20. Benzene comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

14 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Figure 21 compares sulfur content. During phase I, some of the retail outlets were already
supplying 10 ppm sulfur fuel. Phase II results show that the other retail outlets which
were supplying BS IV fuel with 50 ppm sulfur subsequently transitioned to BS VI fuel.

AMBD1
VSKP2 35 AMBD2
VSKP1 30 BNSW1
BS VI
UDPR2 25 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI

UDPR1 20 COH2
15
VRNS2 KAN1
10
5
VRNS1 KAN2
0
THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2

PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1

Figure 21. Sulfur comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI gasoline samples.

Figure 22 shows a comparison of ethanol between samples analyzed in phase I and phase
II. More retail outlets have transitioned to supplying ethanol blended fuels in phase II.

AMBD1
VSKP2 10 AMBD2
VSKP1 9 BNSW1
8 BS VI
UDPR2 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI
7
6
UDPR1 COH2
5
4
VRNS2 3 KAN1
2
VRNS1 1 KAN2
0

THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2

PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NDHL2
NGPR1

Figure 22. Ethanol content comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

15 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Oxygen content is compared in Figure 23. More samples failed to comply with the
maximum oxygen content specification in phase II than in phase I. This does not,
however, raise concerns for tailpipe emissions, as the air-to-fuel ratio in BS VI vehicles is
controlled electronically. Nonetheless, an engine running open loop or carbureted, as in
several pre-BS IV vehicles, could be at risk of emitting excess NOx.

AMBD1
VSKP2 5 AMBD2
VSKP1 4.5 BNSW1
BS VI
4
UDPR2 BNSW2 Pre-BS VI
3.5
3
UDPR1 COH2
2.5
2
VRNS2 1.5 KAN1
1
VRNS1 0.5 KAN2

0
THAN2 MUMB1

THAN1 MUMB2

SHML1 MYSR1

RNCH2 MYSR2

PTNA1 NDHL1
NGPR2 NGPR1 NDHL2

Figure 23. Oxygen content comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

Diesel comparison
Figure 24 shows the comparison of fuel density. Overall, a slight decrease in fuel density
can be seen in phase II samples. With the latest advancements in fuel injection and
aftertreatment systems in diesel engines, this decrease is not expected to have any
significant effect on tailpipe emissions (Dallmann & Bandivadekar, 2016).

AMBD1
BNSW4 835 AMBD2
BNSW3 KAN1
830 BS VI
RNCH3 KAN2 Pre-BS VI
825
PTNA2 MYSR3
820

UDPR4 815 MYSR4

810
UDPR3 NGPR3
805
MUMB2 NGPR4

MUMB1 NDHL3

VRNS2 NDHL4

VRNS1 SHML1

VSKP4 SHML2
VSKP3 THAN1
THAN2

Figure 24. Density comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

16 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Figure 25 compares cetane numbers between diesel samples analyzed in phase I and
phase II. No significant difference between the samples obtained from phase I and II
were observed.
AMBD1
BNSW4 58 AMBD2
BNSW3 56 KAN1
BS VI
RNCH3 KAN2 Pre-BS VI
54

PTNA2 52 MYSR3
50
UDPR4 MYSR4
48

46
UDPR3 NGPR3
44

MUMB2 NGPR4

MUMB1 NDHL3

VRNS2 NDHL4

VRNS1 SHML1
VSKP4 SHML2
VSKP3 THAN1
THAN2

Figure 25. Cetane number comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI samples.

Sulfur content is compared in Figure 26. Similar to the gasoline samples, some of the
retail outlets had already been supplying 10 ppm sulfur fuel in phase I, and it can be seen
that the other retail outlets have now also transitioned to BS VI fuel in phase II.

AMBD1
BNSW4 45 AMBD2
BNSW3 40 KAN1
BS VI
35 KAN2 Pre-BS VI
RNCH3
30
PTNA2 25 MYSR3
20
UDPR4 15 MYSR4
10
UDPR3 5 NGPR3
0

MUMB2 NGPR4

MUMB1 NDHL3

VRNS2 NDHL4

VRNS1 SHML1
VSKP4 SHML2
VSKP3 THAN1
THAN2

Figure 26. Sulfur comparison between pre-BS VI and post-BS VI diesel samples.

17 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
Conclusion
In both gasoline and diesel fuel, sulfur is the compound of most interest in this study,
because of its substantial potential to impact tailpipe emissions. All samples that we
analyzed from all retail outlets in phase II complied with BS VI sulfur standards. Further,
the sulfur reduction across all retail stations to comply with the more stringent 10 ppm
standards for BS VI was the most obvious and largest difference seen between samples
taken during phase I, when BS IV was still in effect, and during phase II, after BS VI had
been implemented.

India’s transition to BS VI fuel is remarkable, but a few concerns remain. For one, a
couple of gasoline samples were found to be out of compliance for RVP and one was
found to be out of compliance for benzene (although it was within the measurement
error). Additionally, eight samples did not comply with BS VI limits on oxygen content.
It was also seen that more retail outlets transitioned to ethanol blended fuels (E5,
E10) in phase II compared to phase I. In India, where most retail outlets have service
representatives who fill fuel for the consumers, it is critical to enable the consumer
to make a more conscious choice when deciding a fuel type or retail outlet. With
this transition to more fuel blend availabilities, there is an increased need for clearer
pump labeling requirements and violation enforcements so consumers have sufficient
information to make that decision.

While not the specific focus of this study, we note that India’s fuel quality monitoring
requirements still require significant overhauling. The results from this study certainly
show encouraging signs of compliance nationwide, but for compliance to be sustained
over the coming years, India must address its fuel quality monitoring requirements.
Some areas of shortcomings identified in an earlier ICCT study (Bansal & Bandivadekar,
2013) included a lack of comprehensive government oversight and independent fuel
testing laboratories, fuel adulteration, lack of liability from oil companies, and very few
resources to ensure fuel quality at retail outlets. Some of the key recommendations
made in the study were to develop a centralized authority responsible for fuel quality
compliance, making oil companies accountable for fuel quality, and increasing the
number of independent fuel quality testing labs. Another recent study (Yang, 2020)
on China’s compliance and enforcement (C&E) structure discussed the importance of
enforcing stringent source control with fuel tracking systems upstream of retail outlets
and enforcing presumptive liabilities on parties in possession of any non-conforming
fuel, anywhere in the fuel distribution system, with substantial non-compliance and
criminal penalties. It would be advantageous for India to adopt C&E programs similar to
those in the United States, the European Union, and China.

18 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2
References
Bansal, G., & Bandivadekar, A. (2013). Overview of India’s vehicle emissions control
program: Past successes and future prospects. Retrieved from the International Council
on Clean Transportation, https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/ICCT_
IndiaRetrospective_2013.pdf
Bureau of Indian Standards: 1460:2017 (2017a). Automotive diesel fuel specification (sixth revision).
Bureau of Indian Standards: 2796:2017 (2017b). Motor gasoline specification (sixth revision).
Dallmann, T., & Bandivadekar, A. (2016). Technical background on India BS VI fuel specifications.
Retrieved from the International Council on Clean Transportation, https://theicct.org/
publications/technical-background-india-bs-vi-fuel-specifications
Sathiamoorthy, B., & Bandivadekar, A. (2020). Gasoline and diesel fuel quality survey for India:
Part 1. Retrieved from the International Council on Clean Transportation, https://theicct.org/
sites/default/files/publications/India-fuel-quality-pt1-jul2020.pdf
Yang, L. (2020). Motor vehicle diesel fuel quality compliance and enforcement in China: A look at
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19 ICCT WORKING PAPER 2021-17 | GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL QUALITY SURVEY FOR INDIA: PART 2