India clears path for greener skies with ethanol-blended aviation fuel

New Delhi: In a move to cut aviation emissions and support cleaner energy, the petroleum ministry on Wednesday permitted the blending of ethanol and other synthetic hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuel.

The government has expanded the legal definition of ATF to include blends with “synthesised hydrocarbons as specified in IS 17081.” This gives oil marketing companies the legal framework to sell and distribute Sustainable Aviation Fuel blends.

While no immediate mandatory blending targets were set, the step builds on India’s success with 20% ethanol blending in petrol. It also aligns with the country’s global climate commitments under CORSIA, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

India is targeting 1% SAF blending for international flights by 2027, rising to 2% by 2028 and 5% by 2030. CORSIA aims for carbon-neutral growth in international aviation, becoming mandatory for most states from 2027 to 2035.

Globally, countries such as the UK and Japan are already mandating SAF blends made from renewable feedstocks like waste oils, agricultural residues, and CO2. ATF is traditionally made by refining crude oil, so the shift opens new opportunities for green fuel innovation.

The order also updates legal references, replacing the outdated CrPC with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Authorities will now use Section 103 of the BNSS to prevent black-marketing or hoarding of jet fuel.

The decision marks a positive step toward cleaner air travel and reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable energy and international climate goals.