Meerut To Introduce LNG Trucks Soon, Targeting Major Cuts In Pollution And Fuel Expenses

In the near future, transporting goods by truck is expected to become more affordable and environmentally friendly, thanks to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). While Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) are already widely used, LNG-powered heavy vehicles are now emerging as the next big shift in the commercial transport sector.

Currently, LNG infrastructure in North India, including the NCR, remains limited. However, states like Maharashtra and Gujarat have already deployed a significant number of LNG trucks on their highways. To accelerate this transition in the NCR region, Gail Gas Limited plans to set up its first LNG station in the area within a year.

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Speaking at a seminar organised by Gail Gas on Thursday at Hotel Harmony Inn, Garh Road, Vinay Kumar, General Manager of Gail Gas, Meerut, emphasised that LNG is the future fuel for commercial vehicles. He said diesel alternatives are urgently needed due to rising pollution, and LNG offers a practical solution.

He explained that vehicles can store a much larger volume of LNG compared to CNG, allowing them to travel nearly 1,000 km on a single tank. Major automobile manufacturers have already begun producing LNG-powered trucks to meet this growing demand.

According to a Press Trust of India release from the Ministry of Petroleum, LNG is around 40 per cent cheaper than diesel, and helps achieve a 100 per cent reduction in Sulphur Dioxide (SOx) emissions as well as an 85 per cent reduction in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.

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Gaurav Sharma, President of the Meerut Transport Association, said although LNG trucks are not yet operational in Meerut, more than 2,000 small trucks, including four- and six-wheelers, have been converted to CNG. These vehicles are currently operating across most Indian states, except Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

What is LNG?

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to -160 degrees Celsius to convert it into liquid form. In this state, it occupies just 1/600th of its original gaseous volume, making it easier to store and transport. LNG is particularly useful in regions without gas pipeline connectivity and is regarded as one of the cleanest forms of natural gas.