India Launches First LNG Fuelled Bus
India’s first LNG-fuelled bus was launched November 8 by country’s oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the southern Indian city of Kochi.
Petronet LNG, Indian Oil Corporation and automotive major Tata Motors have worked to introduce LNG as a fuel in commercial vehicles in the capital of south Indian state of Kerala, India’s oil ministry said. The bus is part of the oil ministry’s plan to use LNG directly for mass transportation and to reduce carbon emissions in the country. Gas also has low to zero sulphur and particulate matter, which is more injurious to health than CO2.
The bus was brought to Petronet’s Kochi LNG terminal for filling. Its fuel tank was provided by American Chart Industries. Being a pilot project, the LNG-driven bus will run on trial basis in the city of Kochi before it can be certified for commercial application, the ministry said.
India's first LNG bus launch ceremony (Credit: Indian oil ministry)
India has already announced that it is planning to use LNG, which is cheaper than diesel, as a fuel for railways and long-haul transportation. India’s ministry of road transport and highways has already released draft notification for use of LNG as an automotive fuel. Final notification is expected to be released soon, the ministry said. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization has formed an expert committee to form regulations for installation of LNG fuel tank and filling stations, which is also expected to be released soon.
Shardul Sharma