New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) India has switched over to eco-friendly Bharat Stage (BS) III and BS IV (equivalent to Euro III and Euro-IV) petrol and diesel ahead of the Oct 1 deadline.

The ultra-low sulphur and benzene BS III and BS IV petrol and diesel not only reduce exhaust emission from vehicles but also improve the power and efficiency of vehicle engines.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora complimented the oil industry and said the government had invested over Rs.32,000 crore to supply better quality petrol and diesel in the entire country.

BS III auto fuel was introduced Wednesday in the seven north-eastern states in the last phase.