Army Chief Launches Indigenous XWG (Xtreme Weather Grade) Diesel for High-Altitude Operations

1 August 2026National

On 31 July 2026, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth launched the indigenously developed Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel in New Delhi, jointly developed by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as the key developer. The fuel remains fully functional at temperatures as low as minus 42 degrees C, designed for Ladakh, Siachen Glacier and other snow-bound forward areas. It complies with BS-VI emission norms and IS 1460:2025 fuel-quality standards, enabling immediate use in the existing vehicle fleet without engine modification or re-homologation. The Army Chief called it a real game changer.

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Chief of Army Staff: Gen. Dhiraj Seth | BPCL is a Maharatna PSU, HQ Mumbai | Siachen Glacier is in the Karakoram Range | Standard: IS 1460:2025

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The Army and BPCL launched XWG (Xtreme Weather Grade) Diesel, functional down to minus 42 degrees C for Ladakh/Siachen operations, BS-VI and IS 1460:2025 compliant — launched by Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth on 31 July 2026.

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