July 27, 2026: Taking another step towards cleaner and greener energy, the Gujarat government is set to establish LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel stations along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and major highways. LNG is increasingly emerging as a cleaner-burning alternative to diesel for heavy-duty vehicles and maritime shipping.

As part of a pilot project, 20 LNG fuel stations will be set up at key locations along the DMIC, catering primarily to heavy commercial vehicles. Planning is in its final stages, and tenders are expected to be floated soon, a senior government official told Mirror.

Gujarat is India’s LNG hub, accounting for nearly 66% of the country’s total LNG terminal capacity. The state has four LNG terminals — at Dahej, Hazira, Mundra and Chhara — with a combined capacity of around 38 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).

LNG-powered trucks offer a driving range of up to 1,000 km, making the fuel particularly suitable for Class 7 and Class 8 long-haul vehicles. They deliver performance comparable to diesel while typically reducing operating costs by 10% to 20% per kilometre.

With a substantial stretch of the DMIC passing through Gujarat, the proposed fuel stations are expected to encourage the adoption of cleaner fuels in the freight sector while reducing the transport industry’s carbon footprint. The use of LNG in heavy vehicles and shipping has been growing steadily worldwide, mirroring the rise in freight movement across Gujarat.

Compared with conventional petroleum fuels, LNG can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15% to 30% in dual-fuel or dedicated LNG engines. It also significantly lowers nitrogen oxide emissions, contributing to better air quality. 

(Source: Ahmedabad Mirror)