Publisher’s Note

In mid-December 2015 the world agreed to the first universal, legally binding deal to tackle global warming in Paris. Known as the Paris climate deal wrought through UN talks, all countries committed to try to keep global temperature rises “well below” 2 degrees C, as that level would likely herald the worst effects of climate change. The level agreed to was 1.5 degrees C.

The world draws energy from fossil fuel (crude oil, coal etc) classified as hydrocarbon. The hydrogen equates to energy and the carbon is generally a waste product that finds its way into our atmosphere, water and land upon combustion, creating environmental pollution.

The quest for lower energy consumption and cleaner environment has shown a way to the lubricant industry to look for better options by way of “Energy Efficient Lubricants”, which claim to be reducing the energy consumption and use better quality fuels in lesser polluting automobiles. This in effect will reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and also carbon footprint. The latest World Health Organisation report puts 13 Indian cities in the notorious list of 20 cities with most particulate (PM 2.5) pollution. It includes Delhi, Patna, Gwalior, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Firozabad, Kanpur, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Agra, Allahabad and Khanna. PM 2.5 stands for tiny particulate matter, 2.5 microns or smaller, linked with health hazards ranging from mild irritations in eye, nose and lungs to cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Whilst 50% of this comes from other sources including industrial fuels, the balance 50% PM 2.5 comes from exhaust of diesel vehicles - trucks, buses, SUVs and cars. While vehicles and fuel sold in Delhi has to be BS-4 (Euro 4) compliant, in other parts of India, these are Euro 3 compliant only. The lubricant manufacturers need to gear up R&D to deliver lubes compatible with higher Euro/BS norms, if we want to see less pollution. Keeping this in mind, we are carrying a cover story on Engine Oil Quality.

We look forward to your continuing feedback and suggestions on the content and presentation of the magazine.

Warm Regards,

Udey Dhir