We report synthesis of the novel Ru-doped SnO 2 nanowires and their distinctive response towards NO 2 and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in air. These nanowires have been prepared by a simple approach of evaporation of metal oxide at elevated temperature. The sensor exhibits three order of magnitude changes in the conductivity on exposure to NO 2 in air at room temperature. Furthermore, Ru being one of the excellent sensitizers towards LPG these wires also exhibits sensitivity at 250°C. The amount of Ru plays a crucial role in modulating the sensitivity and lowering the operating temperature.