The Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC) has raised questions over the shortage of autogas vehicle production in India, saying that eight of the world's ten largest automakers manufacture autogas vehicles for various markets globally. This call for action comes as India continues to face severe air pollution challenges in its cities and seeks sustainable mobility solutions.
Mr. Suyash Gupta, Director General of the 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."
India relies on around 33 crore petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, which has become a major contributor to the air pollution in urban areas. IAC believes that the adoption of the autogas vehicle technology will curb the pressing environmental issues, as it offers a viable alternative for those unable to transition immediately to EVs. With approximately 28.3 million autogas vehicles on the road worldwide and nearly 82,000 refuelling stations, the advantages are evident.
Gupta emphasised the poor air quality in the country by pointing out Bryan Johnson's walkout from Nikhil Kamath's podcast. "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," he added.
IAC has also urged policymakers to lower the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on autogas conversion kits from 28 per cent to 5 per cent, making them more accessible and incentivising cleaner fuel adoption. This reduction would boost the transition to sustainable transportation. 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 IAC also highlighted the crucial role of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in producing factory-fitted autogas vehicles, emphasising 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 other fuels like gasoline and diesel. It is cheaper than these fuels, allowing consumers to save on fuel costs while utilising existing distribution networks, which reduces infrastructure investment needs. To offer flexibility, vehicles can be converted to run on both autogas and gasoline.
