Indian Oil flags off maiden rake of xtreme weather grade HSD for Indian Army’s Eastern Command

New Delhi: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has marked another significant milestone in its long-standing association with the Indian Army with the flag-off of the maiden rake of Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) High Speed Diesel (HSD) from Panipat Marketing Complex for the Army’s Eastern Command.

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The rake has been flagged off by Lt Gen Mukesh Chadha, AVSM, SM, VSM, Director General Supplies & Transport and Senior Colonel Commandant, IHQ of MoD (Army), in the presence of K John Prasad, Country Head (Institutional Business), IOC and M L Dahriya, Executive Director & Refinery Head, Panipat Refinery, IOC on September 26.

IndianOil XWG HSD, launched in July 2026 by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is specially developed to meet the demanding operational requirements of the Indian Army in extreme cold and high-altitude conditions. Its enhances low-temperature performance and ensures reliable operation of Army vehicles and equipment in some of the country’s most challenging terrains.

With its maiden dispatch to the Eastern Command, the supply footprint of XWG HSD now extends across both the northern and eastern frontiers of the country. IndianOil has become the first PSU to position XWG diesel in the eastern region, enabling the requirements of the Indian Army in the region to be supported through a dedicated supply chain.

The development builds on IndianOil’s sustained efforts to indigenously develop specialised fuels suited to the operational requirements of India’s Armed Forces. These include Winter Grade Diesel in 2019, All Weather Grade HSD in 2022, and Low Sulphur Low Aromatic Superior Kerosene Oil in 2022. Each of these products reflects IndianOil’s focus on developing fit-for-purpose energy solutions for deployment in demanding terrain and climatic conditions.

Lt Gen Mukesh Chadha, AVSM, SM, VSM, DGST IHQ of MoD (Army), mentioned “XWG as a potential game changer for operational preparedness and readiness in high-altitude and extreme-weather areas. He highlighted that, for the first time, this specialised fuel is being extended beyond Ladakh to support operations in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasised the need for a predictable, scalable and responsive supply chain, with the right fuel at the right place and time. He also acknowledged IndianOil’s partnership in transforming XWG Diesel from an operational requirement into an operational reality in the Eastern side”

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Speaking on the occasion, Mr. K John Prasad, Country Head (Institutional Business), IndianOil, said, “The Indian Army operates in some of the most demanding terrains and climatic conditions, where dependable fuel performance is critical to operational mobility. Extending XWG HSD supplies to the Eastern Command strengthens our ability to support the Army across another strategically important geography. In line with its core corporate value of Nation-First, IndianOil remains committed to developing indigenous, fit-for-purpose energy solutions for our Armed Forces and contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

The maiden rake flag-off further strengthens the enduring partnership between Indian Oil and the Indian Army. Through indigenous product development and a dependable nationwide supply network, Indian Oil continues to support the energy requirements of the Armed Forces across some of India’s most challenging geographies, reinforcing its commitment to the nation’s energy security and defence preparedness.

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