Beijing to increase fuel standards to curb pollution

China’s State Council issued a statement Wednesday that it will raise national fuel standards for diesel and gasoline to match those in Europe and the US within four years, The Wall Street Journal reported. The plans include the imminent publication of new car diesel standards which will cut sulfur emission allowances to roughly one-seventh of current levels, effective by year end 2014. China’s refining companies will need to upgrade their facilities but will be allowed to pass on costs for meeting the higher standards onto customers, the State Council said. The policy will also raise fees for polluters and penalties for those who violate fuel quality standards.