Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth Launches Indigenous 'Xtreme Weather Grade' Diesel

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth on Friday launched the indigenously developed 'Xtreme Weather Grade' (XWG) diesel, a specialised fuel designed to enhance the mobility of military vehicles operating in extreme climatic conditions. Developed jointly by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies, the new fuel is expected to improve the operational readiness, safety and reliability of combat and logistics vehicles deployed in high-altitude and snow-bound regions. The launch marks another step towards strengthening indigenous defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Speaking at the launch, General Seth described XWG diesel as a game-changing innovation that would significantly improve the Army's ability to operate in harsh weather conditions. Conventional diesel tends to thicken at extremely low temperatures, leading to clogged fuel filters and affecting vehicle performance in mountainous terrain. According to the Army, the newly developed fuel remains effective at temperatures as low as minus 42 degrees Celsius, ensuring uninterrupted mobility even in some of the country's most challenging operational environments.

The specialised diesel complies with BS-VI emission standards and IS 1460:2025 specifications, allowing it to be used across the Indian Army's existing fleet without requiring engine modifications or re-homologation. Army officials said the fuel would eliminate several temporary measures previously adopted to keep vehicles operational during severe winters, thereby improving vehicle reliability while enhancing the safety and morale of personnel deployed in remote and high-altitude locations.

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General Seth commended the Indian Army team and the participating Oil Marketing Companies for developing the fuel within a year. He expressed confidence that the successful collaboration would pave the way for the development of more specialised fuels to meet diverse operational requirements. Besides strengthening military capabilities, the technology is also expected to benefit civilian users in high-altitude and extreme winter regions by improving the performance and safety of vehicles and equipment operating under severe weather conditions.

The launch comes days after General Seth concluded a two-day visit to Army formations in the Eastern Theatre, where he reviewed the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in the region. During the visit, the Army Chief was also briefed on flood relief operations and assessed the force's readiness to respond to both security challenges and humanitarian emergencies.

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