Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Dhiraj Seth, today launched the indigenously developed Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel, a specialised fuel designed to enhance the mobility, safety and operational readiness of military vehicles operating in extreme climatic conditions. Developed through a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), the fuel marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Conventional diesel tends to thicken at extremely low temperatures, leading to fuel filter clogging and affecting the performance of vehicles deployed in high-altitude and snow-bound regions. XWG Diesel addresses this challenge by remaining operational at temperatures as low as –42°C. The fuel is compliant with BS-VI emission norms and IS 1460:2025 specifications, enabling its seamless use across the Indian Army’s existing fleet without the need for engine modifications or re-homologation.
Speaking at the launch, General Dhiraj Seth described XWG Diesel as a transformative indigenous capability that will significantly improve mobility, operational preparedness and mission reliability in extreme weather conditions. He noted that the new fuel would eliminate the need for several legacy practices adopted to keep vehicles operational during harsh winters, thereby enhancing both safety and the morale of personnel deployed in challenging environments.
The COAS commended the dedicated efforts of the Indian Army and the participating Oil Marketing Companies for developing the specialised fuel within a year. He expressed confidence that the successful collaboration would pave the way for the development of additional specialised fuels to meet diverse operational requirements of the Armed Forces.
Beyond its military applications, XWG Diesel is expected to offer substantial benefits to civilian users in high-altitude and severe winter regions by improving the reliability, safety and performance of vehicles and equipment operating under extreme climatic conditions. The development also highlights the growing synergy between the defence establishment and the domestic energy sector in delivering indigenous technological solutions with both strategic and civilian applications.
