Indian Army Unveils Indigenous Extreme Weather Diesel That Works At -42°C

Published 31 July 2026 · local

Indian Army Unveils Indigenous Extreme Weather Diesel That Works At -42°C Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 15:56 IST The Indian Army

Indian Army Unveils Indigenous Extreme Weather Diesel That Works At -42°C Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 15:56 IST The Indian Army launched Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) diesel, a specialised fuel for military vehicles in extreme cold. It works down to -42°C, boosting self-reliance. The XWG diesel has been jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) over the past year. The Indian Army on Friday launched an indigenously developed Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) diesel, a specialised fuel designed to keep military combat and logistics vehicles operational in extreme cold conditions of up to minus 42 degrees Celsius. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth described it as a major milestone in strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence logistics.

“Immense pride to launch XWG diesel; it was joint venture between Army and BPCL; it provides us indigenous capability," General Dhiraj Seth said. VIDEO | Delhi: “Immense pride to launch XWG diesel, it was joint venture between Army and BPCL; it provides us indigenous capability", says Army chief General Dhiraj Seth.(Full video available on PTI Videos –) pic.twitter.com/y1RgxnoFbs — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 31, 2026 The XWG diesel has been jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) over the past year. Unlike conventional diesel, which tends to thicken and clog engine filters in sub-zero temperatures, the new BS-VI-compliant fuel is engineered to remain effective in extreme weather without requiring any modifications to the Army’s existing vehicle fleet.

The development is expected to significantly enhance mobility and operational readiness in high-altitude regions, where harsh winters have long posed logistical challenges for military vehicles. Earlier, diesel used to freeze at sub-zero temperatures, making it one of the biggest operational hurdles in high-altitude areas. With the introduction of XWG diesel, Army vehicles will now be able to operate even at temperatures as low as -42°C, ensuring uninterrupted movement in some of the country’s toughest terrains. The Army said the indigenous fuel marks a significant step towards enhancing defence preparedness while reducing dependence on imported specialised fuels through homegrown technological capability. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways.