Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC) has once again raised concerns over the lack of Autogas vehicle production in India, noting that eight of the world's ten largest automakers manufacture Autogas vehicles for various global markets. This call for action comes as India continues to face severe air pollution challenges in its cities and seeks sustainable mobility solutions.
Suyash Gupta, Director General of Indian Auto LPG Coalition, stated "Globally, Autogas is a proven and readily available solution for cleaner transportation. Many countries are using clean fuel to drive sustainable mobility and tackle rising urban pollution. Transitioning to Autogas represents a practical step towards reducing emissions, especially in regions where a sudden shift to electric vehicles (EVs) could strain the energy grid. Converting a vehicle to run on Autogas is significantly more affordable than purchasing a new electric vehicle.”
With approximately 28.3 million Autogas vehicles on the road worldwide and nearly 82,000 refueling stations, the advantages are evident. The IAC urges India to adopt this existing technology to combat pressing environmental issues. India's reliance on around 33 crore petrol and diesel-powered vehicles is a major contributor to urban air pollution. The IAC believes that Autogas offers a viable alternative for those unable to transition immediately to EVs.
Reflecting on the pollution crisis, he added – “The severity of India's air pollution crisis is underscored by recent events, such as tech millionaire Bryan Johnson reportedly cutting short his appearance on Nikhil Kamath's podcast in Mumbai due to poor air quality. Johnson, known for his health focus, found the indoor AQI of 130 and PM2.5 levels of 75 µg/m³ – equivalent to smoking 3.4 cigarettes in 24 hours – unbearable, even with air purifiers. The average resident of India faces a reduction in life expectancy of 5.3 years due to particulate air pollution.”
Countries like Russia, Turkey, Korea, Poland, and Ukraine have successfully integrated Autogas into their transportation systems. These nations have implemented supportive policies and incentives that have led to significant reductions in emissions.
The Indian Auto LPG Coalition has urged policymakers to lower the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Autogas conversion kits from 28% to 5%, making them more accessible and incentivising cleaner fuel adoption. This reduction would accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.
The IAC also highlighted the crucial role of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in producing factory-fitted Autogas vehicles, emphasizing the need for investment in Autogas technology to provide consumers with more environmentally friendly options. Factory-fitted models ensure better performance and safety, enhancing consumer confidence.
Autogas is a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels, significantly reducing emissions of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to gasoline and diesel. It is often cheaper than these fuels, allowing consumers to save on fuel costs while utilising existing distribution networks, which reduces infrastructure investment needs. Many vehicles can be converted to run on both Autogas and gasoline, offering flexibility.
Indian Auto LPG Coalition is the nodal body for the promotion of Auto LPG in India. Members of the Coalition include the Oil Sector PSUs, Private Auto LPG marketers, Kit Suppliers and Equipment Manufacturers. The Coalition works closely with the World LPG Association and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. IAC is also a member of “Central Motor Vehicle Rules - Technical Standing Committee” (CMVR-TSC); “Standing Committee on Emission Legislation” (SCOE), TED26 (Bureau of Indian Standards), Government of India.