With the search for the culprits that caused the notorious smog homing in on low-quality fuel, China's fuel standards are set to rise.

If it reduces pollution and improves the air quality then the cost is worth paying, but the decision of who will shoulder the costs should be based on discussions that include the views of experts and the public. They should not be determined by vested interests.

Experts estimate that motor vehicles account for about 20 percent of air pollution in large cities. Although the government is yet to release authoritative data, vehicle emissions must have been a major contributor to the smog that smothered much of the country recently, so the discussion about raising fuel standards to reduce pollution and improve the air quality is definitely on target.