Bharat Stage VI Emission Standards: Mission Not Impossible

Back in September 2016, there was much excitement when the Government of India announced a leapfrog to Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission standards. At the same time, it was clear that it would take much hard work to realize the goal and meet the ambitious April 1, 2020 deadline. India is the first to leapfrog from Euro IV-equivalent emission standards directly to Euro VI-equivalent standards, and there were many doubts and questions: Could refineries produce enough ultralow-sulfur fuel, which is necessary for BS VI vehicles, to supply the entire country? Could Indian automakers make their vehicles BS VI compliant by April 1, 2020? Would consumers be willing to pay for the more expensive BS VI vehicles?