Viktor Zubkov, who chairs Gazprom’s board of directors, has proposed offering concessional loans to drivers who want to convert their vehicles to run on natural gas. He suggested that Russia could see a substantial shift in the automotive sector, with thousands of gas-powered cars entering service and a sizable portion of existing vehicles undergoing conversion to natural gas as fuel. The goal, he explained, is to make natural gas options more affordable for households and businesses alike, addressing a gap between interest and the financial means needed for reconfiguration of engines and fuel systems.
In his assessment, there is a notable demand for natural gas vehicles among Russian residents. Many potential buyers are held back by the upfront costs associated with converting a personal car to run on gas, including retrofitting engines, fuel tanks, and related safety equipment. Zubkov highlighted the possibility that targeted financing could unlock this demand, accelerating the adoption of cleaner fuel options and diversifying the country’s energy usage within the transport sector.
He emphasized the financial mechanism as a bridge between interest and action, noting that banks would need to be involved, and that a thorough assessment of consumer interest should precede any lending program. According to his remarks, a formal survey could gauge demand for vehicle conversions and help design terms that align with borrowers’ needs while ensuring prudent lending. The broader aim is to stimulate the market for natural gas vehicles and support a transition toward less pollution and lower operating costs for drivers who choose gas as a fuel option.
Previously, Zubkov also commented on Gazprom’s gas refueling stations, arguing that their profitability has been affected by taxation policies and the relatively small number of gas-powered vehicles on the roads. He pointed to tax incentives or regulatory adjustments that could improve profitability for these stations while making natural gas more attractive for vehicle owners. The conversation around these topics reflects a wider policy discussion about energy diversification, infrastructure investment, and the role of natural gas within Russia’s domestic transport ecosystem.
As the dialogue continues, industry observers note that any reforms or financing schemes would need careful planning, regulatory clarity, and financial discipline to ensure sustained uptake. The potential for a larger fleet of gas-powered vehicles depends on a combination of consumer interest, bank participation, infrastructure readiness, and clear incentives that align with public and environmental goals. The ongoing discourse underscores the complexity and potential of integrating natural gas into personal transportation as part of a broader energy strategy reported by RIA Novosti over recent periods.