Gov't instructs JPRC to improve diesel quality
Jordan Times
July 1, 2007
Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN -- The government has issued instructions to the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company (JPRC) to improve the quality of its diesel, which contains a high ratio of lead that is harmful to the environment, Minister of Environment Khalid Irani said on Sunday.
"The Cabinet recently took a decision to commit the JPRC to set a clear and time-specific schedule for improving the quality of its diesel, which contains lead levels that are much higher than international and local standards," Irani told The Jordan Times.
The diesel manufactured at the JPRC contains from 1.2 to 1.5 per cent of lead, while international standards are 0.35, according to Irani.
"This high percentage of lead causes air pollution and forms black clouds of smoke across the country," the minister said.
About 80 per cent of the diesel manufactured at the JPRC is consumed by industrial facilities for heating purposes and power generation, while the rest is used by the transportation sector, according to Irani.
"The government's decision commits the refinery to start improving diesel used for transportation, which means some 20 per cent of its production," Irani said.
The new improved diesel should be available within two years as stipulated by the decision, he added.
The minister said diesel used for other purposes does not pose a major problem for the environment at this stage, as most of it is consumed by industrial facilities, where filters are installed to reduce emissions.
"The priority at this stage is the diesel used for transportation, as vehicles running on diesel spread pollution across the country. The diesel manufactured for other purposes will be dealt with later," he said.
Referring to the government's plan to introduce unleaded petrol, the minister said it would available be in gas stations by 2008, noting that the refinery is ready for the manufacture of lead-free fuel.