Russian farmers switching from diesel to gas amid supply problems

Rising diesel prices and supply problems are prompting large Russian agribusinesses to consider gas-powered vehicles, according to Vedomosti. The newspaper polled the agriculture and energy ministries and companies, including Rusagro, EFKO, Prodo, Prodimex, Agroeko, and Agrosila, on their fuel plans.

Miratorg said it has converted about 300 trucks, or 90% of the fleet suitable for conversion, and began trialing LNG-powered vehicles in 2026. Cherkizovo planned to move its fleet to a gas-diesel mode this year but has paused the switch, estimating the cost at more than 1 million rubles ($12,900) per truck for gas-diesel and from 3.5 million rubles ($45,000) for a full conversion to gas.

At Melkom, board member and deputy general director Valery Buka said the group studied converting both trucks and farm machinery but sees a business case only for new vehicles, citing high conversion costs and additional registration requirements. Ilya Bereznyuk of Agro and Food Communications said the economics can work for big holdings, noting that fuel accounts for 15% to 20% of crop production costs and that compressed natural gas is 2 to 2.5 times cheaper than diesel, with payback possible in under three years under intensive use.

State support already covers up to 35% of the cost of leasing gas-powered farm machinery. Rosagroleasing said interest remains strong, with demand concentrated on equipment such as grain dryers rather than self-propelled machines. A source at a large agricultural company was skeptical of mass adoption, pointing to cost and safety concerns.

Source: Vedomosti