As the Centre moves to tighten fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has submitted vehicle-specific emission data to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as part of accelerated preparations for the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-3) norms, scheduled to take effect next year.
The push for more granular data comes against the backdrop of global energy volatility triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has sharpened the government’s focus on reducing fuel consumption and improving energy security. Sources told businessline that the PMO has sought detailed information on vehicle-level fuel consumption and carbon emissions to identify high-consumption models and those delivering the lowest mileage, signalling tighter scrutiny of the automotive sector’s efficiency performance ahead of the new regulatory phase.
According to the data submitted, overall fleet shows a comparatively lower carbon footprint than several key competitors across segments. In the mid-hatchback segment, covering vehicles with 1.0L to 1.2L engines priced between ₹5 lakh and ₹6.6 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR emits 98 kg of CO₂ per 1,000 km, significantly lower than the 122 kg recorded by the Tata Tiago.
In the premium hatchback category (1.2L engine, ₹6.5–9 lakh), the Maruti Suzuki Swift (petrol) emits 106 kg of CO₂ per 1,000 km, compared with 127 kg per 1,000 km for the Tata Altroz (petrol). A similar trend is seen in sedans (1.2L engine, ₹6.5-8.5 lakh), where the Maruti Suzuki Dzire (petrol) emits 98 kg per 1,000 km, while the Tigor emits an estimated 123 kg per 1,000 km.
Mid-SUV
In the mid-SUV segment (1.5–2L engine, ₹13-16 lakh), Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris (petrol) and Grand Vitara record emissions of 113 kg and 117 kg per 1,000 km respectively, compared with Mahindra & Mahindra’s Scorpio at an estimated 195 kg per 1,000 km and the MG Hector at 182 kg per 1,000 km. In the multi-utility vehicle segment (1.5L engine, ₹13-14 lakh), the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga emits an estimated 116 kg per 1,000 km, lower than the 139 kg per 1,000 km recorded by the Kia Carens.
Officials said multiple rounds of consultations have been held among key ministries, including the Ministry of Power, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the Ministry of Heavy Industries, and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, along with the PMO to finalise the contours of the CAFE-3 framework.
The CAFE-3 standards for four-wheelers are slated to come into force from April 1, 2027, and will remain applicable until March 31, 2032, marking the next phase in India’s effort to reduce vehicular emissions and improve fuel efficiency across the passenger vehicle fleet.