All You Need to Know About BS-VI Fuel and How it Helps Reduce Pollution

- The Bharat Stage-VI emission regulations are the same as the Euro 6
- The BS-VI fuels sulfur content is much lower than its predecessor
- The BS-VI fuel is more expensive than the BS-IV.
In 2020, India took a significant technological leap to make the country's auto industry more environment-friendly. The announcement of the BHARAT Stage-VI fuel came as no surprise, especially after rapidly increasing pollution levels.
If you thought the BS-IV norms were too much, wait until you hear all about the BS-VI emission norms. But, what changes do the BS-VI norms bring, and how can it curb pollution? Well, this article will demystify all the key questions surrounding the BS-VI emission regulations.

Photo Credit: unsplash.com
How Will Automakers Switch to BS-VI?
It is one of the burning questions! Typically, automakers will take two-pronged routes to make cars BS-VI complaints. It involves engine work and a round of after-treatment. Manufacturers will include fuel injector design and enhanced combustion chamber in the in-cylinder measures. As a result, cars can enjoy finer atomization of fuel.
The cars will also employ a Lean NOx Trap (LNT) or SCR system to handle high levels of NOx in diesel engines. On the flip side, the exhaust treatment system will curb pollutants like NOx and PM.
How is BS-VI Different From BS-IV?
Thanks to the updated Bharat Stage emissions norms, the NOx level will reduce drastically by 68% for diesel engines and 25% for petrol. The reduced NOX levels will also be achievable through an 82% reduction in Particulate Matter levels. Moreover, for the first time in the Indian auto industry, petrol engines will attract regulation for particulate-matter production.
Between the two norms, there is also a difference in terms of Nitrogen Oxide and Sulphur content. It is worth mentioning that the BS-VI engines emit five times lesser traces of sulfur than B-IV.
The BS-VI norms also led to the introduction of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Unlike the BS-IV criteria, BS-VI makes Onboard Diagnostics mandatory for all cars and vehicles.

What Difference Will BS-VI Make on Cars Costs?
Auto experts have already predicted an incoming surge in vehicle costs. Upgrading the diesel vehicles according to the BS-VI norms will incur more charges. Naturally, automakers will pass on this cost to the consumers. But, this does not mean that cars prices will skyrocket.
The range of diesel cars might get dearer by up to Rs. 1 lakh. On the other hand, you can expect a hike of Rs.10,000 to rs.20,000 in petrol car variants.
Can a BS-IV Car Run on BS-VI Fuel?
The good news is that it is possible to run your BS-IV car on BS-VI fuel. The only minor change between the BS-VI and BS-IV fuel is reducing sulfur content. We don't think that cleaner fuel has any potential harm for BS-IV cars.
Even in the older engines, you can expect a slight reduction of emission levels with BS-VI fuel.

Photo Credit: unsplash.com
And that was all you needed to know about BS-VI. Do you think this move is the ultimate solution to the auto industry's pollution troubles?
Latest News
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 16, 2026BMW X3 xDrive30 M Sport Pro Lanched In India At Rs 74.50 LakhThe new range-topping xDrive 30 done up in the M Sport Pro trim offers 255bhp and 400Nm. Can do 0-100kmph in just 6.3 seconds1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 16, 2026Jeep Meridian Track Edition Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs 35.95 LakhSpecial edition of the Meridian is based on the fully-loaded Meridian Overland.1 min read
Girish Karkera | Feb 16, 2026MG's First Plug-In Hybrid For India Coming In 2026, Confirms MD Anurag MehrotraJSW MG is pivoting toward a hybrid and electric future, targeting a 30% market share for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) by the end of the decade1 min read
car&bike Team | Feb 15, 2026Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift Spied With 6-Speed Manual GearboxLatest images of the test car’s interior suggest that it could become the first Maruti to get a 6-speed manual gearbox.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 15, 2026SIAM Reports PV Sales Of Almost 4.5 Lakh Units, 2W Sales Of Over 19 Lakh Units In January 2026SIAM reported that sales of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers were the best ever for the month of January.1 min read
car&bike Team | Feb 14, 2026Kawasaki Ninja, Versys Models Available With Discounts Of Up To Rs 2.50 LakhThe highest discount is being offered on the Ninja ZX-10R, followed by the Ninja 1100 SX and ZX-6R models.2 mins read
Jafar Rizvi | Feb 15, 2026Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Long-Term Review - Report 1The Victoris is Maruti’s latest offering for the Indian market, and after spending some time with it, here are a few early impressions.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 12, 2026BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Review: The Driver’s SUV ReturnsRange-toppingX3 30 xDrive M Sport brings back the fun with 255bhp and genuine enthusiast appeal. Does this performance-focused SUV stand out?5 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 11, 2026Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe Review: The Goldilocks AMG?The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a concoction of hooliganistic performance and everyday usability. Here’s why this Rs 1.5 crore two-door AMG might be the perfect modern sports coupe for India.6 mins read
Girish Karkera | Feb 11, 2026Toyota Ebella EV Review: Compact And Fun-To-Drive With The Promise Of Stress-Free AftersalesNo hiding the fact that it is a clone of the Maruti Suzuki eVitara, but the first all-electric Toyota in India is reasonably well-rounded8 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 10, 2026Tata Punch EV Long Term Review: Small EV With A Big-Hearted PersonalityWith the new Punch EV Facelift just around the corner, we decided to take a look at what it excels at and what could be improved.7 mins read























































































































