The report, “A Road Map for Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles in Asia”, has been compiled by an expert team, consisting of Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) - a multisector partnership promoting measures to improve air quality in the region - and consultants.

The report recommends steps to improve fuel quality and vehicle emissions for creating better air quality in the region.

Emissions from motor vehicles continue to pose a significant threat to the environment and lives of Asia’s urban population. Vehicle emissions in many Asian countries are expected to increase over the next few decades, as the vehicle population rapidly increases. If no effective action is taken to clean up fuels and vehicles, urban air quality will continue to decline.

“Cleaner fuels will play an important role in reducing vehicle emissions and improving urban air quality in Asia,” the report states. "Fuel specifications influence emissions but they also influence driveability, engine-wear, and fuel efficiency, which are also important in terms of greenhouse gas emissions."

Reducing emissions from motor vehicles depends upon introducing cleaner fuels for the advanced emission control technologies that require these cleaner fuels.

The report recommends that sulfur in gasoline and diesel is reduced to enable the use of advanced emission control technologies. This will enable Asia to adopt vehicle emission standards similar to those in Japan, Europe and the USA. The report also recommends that after the phase out of leaded gasoline, decision making on the use of additives to enhance octane levels in gasoline requires careful consideration.

The report concludes that there are no technical obstacles to producing cleaner fuels in Asia. It argues that producing cleaner fuels is cost-effective and will have large economic benefits because of the health benefits associated with the positive impact of cleaner fuels on air quality.

The report explains how taxing policy and other incentives can be used to speed up the introduction of cleaner fuels. It highlights the importance of involvement of all stakeholders, and awareness raising on the benefits of cleaner fuels.

The observations and recommendations set forth in the report are intended to support the dialogue and discussion already occurring throughout Asia, as well as to help develop a dialogue on road maps on fuel quality and vehicle emissions in those countries where there has not to date been a substantial one.

The report was launched at Better Air Quality (BAQ) 2008 Workshop in Bangkok, on 12-14 November 2008. BAQ 2008 Workshop is organized by CAI-Asia and co-organized by ADB.