Government officials from across the Gulf will discuss ways to improve air quality and harmonise standards across the region through use of clean fuel, at a forum in Bahrain.

The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for West Asia has organised the two-day event to bring to fore key issues facing the transport industry, in collaboration with the 'Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles' and the 'Asian Clean Fuels Association.'

It is being held under the patronage of Oil and Gas Affairs Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza, who is also chairman of the National Oil and Gas Authority, at the Crowne Plaza.

More than 70 experts will discuss key issues at the regional forum on cleaner fuels and vehicles.

Senior officials representing the Arab League, GCC secretariat and ministries of environment, energy and transport will attend the event, along with representatives from oil companies, the transport industry and non-governmental organisations. Participants have been tasked with developing a clear vision for cleaner fuels and vehicles.

The event follows the announcement that the number of vehicles in Bahrain increased from 293,801 in 2004 to 359,124 in 2007.

It is expected the number will increase to 443,576 by December 2010, reaching 484,108 in 2012, the Oil and Gas Authority said.

'The increase by 124,984 vehicles, which is 35 per cent, between 2007 and 2012, indicates a significant rise that requires further efforts to develop Bahrain's policies in co-ordination with other Gulf countries to provide environmentally-friendly fuel,' it said.-TradeArabia News Service