The fifth stage of the standard for gasoline and diesel used in vehicles is set to be published this year, People's Daily reported, citing sources at the National Standard Committee on Thursday.

The National V standard requires sulfur content in fuel to be no more than 10 parts per million (ppm).

On Feb 6, the State Council passed a timetable to upgrade fuel quality, stating that the National V standard for automobile gasoline and diesel will be implemented nationwide before the end of 2017.

Implementing a more stringent standard compared to the rest of the nation, Beijing has been applying the Beijing V Standard to gasoline and diesel sold in the city since Feb 1.

Most cities around China currently apply the National III Standard, which allows sulfur content of up to 150 ppm for gasoline and 350 ppm for diesel.

The central government released the National IV standard for gasoline two years ago but the deadline for national implementation was then set for 2014. China will strengthen efforts in stipulating and improving regulatory standards for traffic and transport, new-energy vehicles, energy-conserving and environmental-protective technologies and products, and environment quality.