A day after Air Force released their problem statement for much needed spares, the Indian Army resolved their own number one problem statement within a year, with regard to an elusive diesel which can fuel military vehicles without stalling in extreme sub-zero conditions close to -40 C.
On Friday the 31st of July 2026, General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), launched XWG – Xtreme Weather Grade diesel for un-interrupted combat solutions in the Himalayas.
Conventional diesel can thicken and clog fuel filters at very low temperatures, affecting the operation of vehicles in high-altitude and snow-bound areas.
XWG Diesel overcomes this challenge and remains effective at temperatures as low as minus 42 degrees Celsius.
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.
Gen Dhiraj Seth is an Armoured Corps soldier, a tank-man.
While giving a brief speech during the launch of XWG at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt he recalled how his first 20 years of his army life revolved around keeping his soldiers in always ready condition even though they had not slept in the night while keeping the tanks and heavy machine engine pipes hot so that fuel lines do not clog in the morning.
Now with this game changing XWG fuel, those days are now in past tense, the General 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.
The technology also has wider civilian use in high-altitude and severe winter regions by improving the reliability and safety of vehicles and equipment operating under severe climatic conditions.
