Gazprom sees prospects for developing gas-fueled vehicle market through mobile refuelers

MOSCOW. June 26 (Interfax) - The development of mobile automotive gas refueling systems could significantly expand the gas-fueled vehicle market in Russia, Deputy Department Head at PJSC Gazprom Andrei Savin said during a meeting of the State Duma Energy Committee.

Savin advocated "expanding the use of natural gas by developing refueling infrastructure in the form of mobile complexes, refuelers - mobile automotive gas refueling units [MAGRU]," he said. "For example, we currently have a thousand fueling stations. Deploying two thousand MAGRUs, typically organized in such a way that one station operates two MAGRUs - one refuels while the other operates elsewhere," he said.

Savin also proposed introducing state support measures for the acquisition of mobile refuelers. "We suggest allocating a separate subsidy for them. If we take [a subsidy of] 15 million rubles per MAGRU - totaling 30 billion rubles - over three years, this would allow existing stationary refueling complexes to operate at over 30% capacity while additionally developing another thousand mobile refueling complexes. Thus, with minimal government expenditure, we can expand this infrastructure through mobile solutions," he said.

He noted that MAGRUs could be used to ensure autonomous gas supply for consumers in remote regions, with participants mentioning Yakutia during the discussion. "The concept also includes autonomous gas supply," he said.

Mobile gas refuelers can be used to supply fuel for methane-powered vehicles and to provide autonomous gas delivery to consumers, such as during pipeline maintenance. In 2024, Gazprom Gas Engine Systems LLC began independent production of MAGRUs.