BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- China's Standardization Administration announced on Wednesday a stricter quality standard for gasoline to reduce vehicle emissions.

The higher standard marks a step forward in the use of greener fuel in the world's largest auto market, where vehicle exhausts are a major factor in worsening air conditions.

The new standard, known as China 5, sets the sulphur content for gasoline at no more than 10 ppm (parts per million), a reduction from the fourth-phase standard of 50 ppm.

Starting on Jan. 1, 2018, petrol of this standard will be supplied nationwide.