Army Chief unveils Xtreme Weather Grade diesel

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth on Friday unveiled indigenously developed Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) diesel, which can remain effective at temperatures as low as minus 42 degrees Celsius, and described it as a “game-changing” indigenous innovation that would enhance mobility, operational readiness and mission reliability.

Compliant with BS-VI standards and IS 1460:2025 specifications, it can be used in the Indian Army’s existing vehicle fleet “without any engine modification or re-homologation,” the defence ministry said. Developed jointly by the Indian Army and oil marketing companies, the specialised fuel will enhance the mobility, safety and operational availability of combat and logistics vehicles in extreme climatic conditions, it said.

“The technology also has wider civilian use in high-altitude and severe winter regions and represents a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the ministry said in a statement.

Conventional diesel can thicken and clog fuel filters at very low temperatures, affecting the operation of vehicles in high-altitude and snow-bound areas, officials said.

XWG diesel overcomes this challenge and remains effective at temperatures as low as minus 42 degrees Celsius, the ministry said.

The Army chief, at an event held here, described XWG diesel as a “game-changing indigenous innovation” that would enhance mobility, operational readiness and mission reliability across extreme climatic conditions.

He highlighted that the fuel would eliminate practices previously required to keep vehicles functional during severe winters, thereby improving the safety and morale of personnel.

General Seth commended the Indian Army team and the oil marketing companies for developing the solution within a year and expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to further specialised fuels for diverse operational requirements.

Beyond its military applications, the technology will also benefit civilian vehicles in high-altitude and extreme winter regions by improving the reliability and safety of vehicles and equipment operating under severe climatic conditions, it said.