Suzuki Focuses on Cow Dung in India to Provide Fuel for CNG Vehicles in Key Market

By Masato Takamura / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

6:00 JST, April 2, 2026

GUJARAT STATE, India — Suzuki Motor Corp. is focusing on the production of biogas derived from fermented cattle dung in India, a key market for the company.

The goal is to use this biogas as fuel for compressed natural gas vehicles, which emit fewer exhaust gases than gasoline-powered vehicles. CNG vehicles are becoming increasingly widespread in India, and Suzuki aims to capitalize on market growth by expanding its business to include fuel supply.

On March 19, cow dung collected from nearby farmers was delivered to Suzuki’s biogas production plant in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Biogas is generated by heating and stirring the dung inside a 9-meter-tall tank. The smell was barely noticeable unless the wind blew.

The plant began operations in January and uses up to 100 tons of cow dung per day to produce 1.5 tons of biogas. This is enough fuel for about 850 CNG vehicles to travel 60 kilometers.

Methane — a gas released into the atmosphere from cow dung — has a greenhouse effect 28 times greater than carbon dioxide, posing a barrier to decarbonization in India, a major dairy-producing nation. Recovering cow dung for biogas production not only reduces these emissions but also allows the remaining dung to be sold as organic fertilizer, making the venture more profitable.

“Increased fertilizer sales are essential for the business’ continued operation,” said Hiroyuki Yamano of Suzuki’s biogas business development division.

Suzuki currently operates two plants in India and plans to build seven more.

CNG vehicle adoption

Suzuki is advancing its biogas business due to the increasing popularity of CNG vehicles in India. In 2025, they accounted for 20% of new vehicle sales. Suzuki holds about 70% of the Indian CNG vehicle market and offers a lineup of 15 models, including compact cars and SUVs.

Due to the country’s high dependence on crude oil imports, the Indian government is leading efforts to increase the number of refueling stations for CNG vehicles, positioning them as an alternative to gasoline-powered cars. The number of stations is expected to expand to 17,000 by 2030, roughly double the 2025 figure.

While the purchase price of CNG vehicles is about 20% higher than that of gasoline vehicles, fuel costs are 40% lower. Demand for CNG taxis is particularly high due to the distance they cover.

“Because it’s cheaper, other drivers around here use CNG vehicles, too,” said Sonu Kumar, a 19-year-old taxi driver near the capital New Delhi.

Since the adoption of electric vehicles in India has not progressed as much as in China or Europe, CNG vehicles are likely to serve as a steppingstone toward decarbonization.