India’s push for clean mobility could hit roadblocks without welcoming Auto LPG as a key bridge fuel. Electric vehicles grab all the headlines, but pushing LPG aside overlooks its real strengths, sharp cuts in emissions, wallet-friendly prices, and infrastructure that’s ready to go, essentials for clearing urban smog much faster and protecting our health right now. This narrow focus weakens the nation’s path to net-zero by 2070, leaving petrol-diesel chokeholds unchecked. Given the rate at which environmental health is worsening, time is of the essence.
EV-Centric Pitfalls
India’s government is pouring billions into electric vehicles through subsidies, charging stations, and battery tech to push 30% of new car sales to EVs by 2030. It sounds like a game-changer at first glance, but take a closer look, and you’ll spot the hitch, with 70% of India’s power still sourced from coal, EVs aren’t as clean across their full lifecycle, they can end up polluting more than Auto LPG. EVs cost ₹3-5 lakh extra upfront, and with only 20,000 chargers nationwide, they’re tough for most families, especially in smaller towns where 80% of cars drive daily. On top of that, more than 330 million old petrol-diesel vehicles are still on roads, pumping out tiny pollution particles (PM2.5) and harmful gases (NOx) that choke cities like Delhi, where air quality often hits dangerous levels above 400. This smog triggers asthma, heart problems, and early deaths for millions. Transport makes 15% of our CO₂ pollution, so skipping easy fixes like Auto LPG means we miss clean air targets and healthier lives.
Auto LPG’s Untapped Power
Auto LPG is a cleaner choice right now, cutting carbon monoxide by 52%, hydrocarbons by 47%, NOx by 81%, and nearly eliminating tiny pollution particles compared to BS-VI petrol. It’s even cleaner at the tailpipe than EVs powered by our coal-heavy grids. Plus, it has zero global warming potential, beating diesel hands down and making it a real low-carbon star for better air. At just ₹60-70 per litre (40% cheaper than petrol), converting your car costs only ₹25,000-30,000, easy for taxis, delivery fleets, and everyday families. India already has over 7,000 LPG stations nationwide, so one doesn’t have to wait for new setups to be built to switch to Auto LPG. Globally, LPG ranks as the third most popular vehicle fuel after petrol and diesel, and eight big carmakers sell factory-ready LPG models.
Policy Barriers Stifling Growth
Heavy taxes limit Auto LPG use, High GST on retrofit kits and on the fuel, compared to incentives for EVs. We need a more aggressive public messaging that focuses on LPG’s place in multi-fuel approaches, as seen in Europe. There are no mandates for car manufacturers to offer factory-fitted LPG variants, and type approvals have expired, creating uncertainty for producers. As a result, LPG accounts for just 0.5% of vehicles, despite the potential for 10%. This approach impacts energy security too, as LPG, produced domestically by companies like IOCL and BPCL, helps cut import dependence, unlike lithium for EV batteries which we mostly source from abroad.
Path Forward
Overlooking Auto LPG means forgoing quick gains in cutting pollution, improving affordability, and boosting self-reliance, essentials of Atmanirbhar Bharat. EVs alone can’t power mobility for 1.4 billion people by 2030, a mix of fuels brings fair, reliable progress for all. A smart, balanced strategy works best to meet the desired end. Level the playing field by cutting GST to 5%, making retrofit kit approvals permanent, and offering incentives for factory-made LPG vehicles. Start with pilot programs for city fleets, like taxis in Delhi and Mumbai, to slash emissions by 20-30% in the short term, giving EV infrastructure time to grow. Add CAFE-III credits for LPG (just like CNG), and fleets can meet standards without jumping to costlier hybrids. A conducive policy can effectively weave in LPG for a cleaner air, stronger economy, and real leadership in clean mobility.
By : Mr. Suyash Gupta, Director General, Indian Auto LPG Coalition
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