• The Supreme Court asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider issues related to distribution of highly polluting petroleum coke used by various industries
• It emphasised that a “holistic view” has to be taken to strike a balance between the needs of industries and imperatives of clean environment.

ABOUT PET COKE

• Petroleum coke or pet coke is a carbon-rich solid material derived from oil refining.
• It is a spongy, solid residue from oil distillation that can be burned for fuel similar to coal.
• It is similar to coal but with different properties.
• It is high in calorific value and easy to transport and store.
• There are two distinctive grades of Petroleum Coke Calcinable or Green Petcoke and Fuel Grade Petcoke.
• It releases toxic gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and hydrogen chloride after burning.
• Application- It is used by aluminium and iron and steel industries apart from fuelling power plants.