Countries around the world have long ago realized the need to protect the environment against degradation and ever since auto manufacturers have come under the microscope of various campaigns to encourage them to adopt environmental friendly practices.

With countries since long aiming at improving fuel economy standards, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has now announced to join this league by enforcing a particular gas mileage standard on all existing vehicles.

As per the latest announcement, KSA has raised minimum fuel efficiency standards to 12 kilometres per litre (or about 28.2 miles per gallon), which must be met by all new, used and imported cars.

Delving into the details of the pronouncement, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Al-Saud said that with effect from next month, all vehicles will be required to have a fuel-economy label on them, which if not found by traffic police may result in punishment. The government was also encouraging public to replace their old cars with newer ones, which are expected to be more fuel-efficient.

The reason behind this recent proposal is the steeply rising energy demand in KSA, which has seen a steady 4-5 percent increase every year. Sadly, this rate doesn’t stay behind the rate of growth of the economy, forcing the government to take necessary actions.

Ironically, the bar always falls on auto manufacturers who will now have to ensure that they meet the required gas mileage standard or else remain out of business in the region. Critics argue that the government should have increased gas prices as a measure to discourage people from using their cars so frequently.

It is important to note here that KSA has one of the lowest gasoline prices i.e. $0.45 per gallon, which if increased along with offering incentives on fuel-economic vehicles can result in much better outcomes.

A similar campaign, named as Saudi Energy Efficiency Program, was also launched in 2012 which was intended to improve energy consumption in industries, buildings and transportation.

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