India has permitted blending of ethanol and synthetic (man-made) hydrocarbons into Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) as part of efforts to reduce emissions and dependence on imported crude oil. The decision, issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aligns India with global momentum towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption.
Regulatory Changes and Legal Framework
The reform has been introduced through amendments to the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001, notified under the Essential Commodities Act 1955. The definition of ATF has been expanded to include blends with synthetic hydrocarbons.
- ATF is now defined as:
- A mixture meeting IS 1571 specifications, or
- Blends incorporating synthetic hydrocarbons compliant with IS 17081 standards
- This marks a shift from purely petroleum-based ATF to low-carbon blended fuel systems
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) refers to renewable, low-carbon aviation fuels derived from alternative feedstocks such as: Waste oils and fats, Municipal solid waste, Agricultural residues and wood, Captured CO₂, and Sugars and cereals. SAF is chemically similar to conventional ATF, enabling seamless integration into existing aviation systems.
Key Features of SAF-Blended ATF
- Drop-in Fuel: Can be used without modifying aircraft engines or infrastructure
- Chemical Compatibility: Matches petroleum-based aviation fuel properties
- Performance Neutral: Maintains safety and operational efficiency
- Emission Reduction: Significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions
SAF must comply with global standards set by:
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- ASTM International
Governance and Standards
- SAF-Blended Aviation Fuel is governed under the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001 (ATF Control Order).
- Technical standards: IS 1571: Petroleum-based ATF and co-processed SAF and IS 17081: SAF blending specifications
- For international aviation use, SAF must meet sustainability norms under: CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).
Key Amendments (April 2026)
The amendment introduces structural changes in India’s aviation fuel policy:
- Expands ATF definition to include SAF blends and synthetic hydrocarbons
- Brings SAF under formal regulatory ambit for marketing and supply chain control
- Enables production and adoption of cleaner aviation fuels
Blending Targets and Global Alignment
India has introduced indicative SAF blending targets for international flights in line with ICAO’s CORSIA framework:
- 1% blending by 2027
- 2% blending by 2028
- 5% blending by 2030
- No mandatory targets yet for domestic aviation
Countries like the UK and Japan have already begun mandating SAF blending, indicating global policy convergence.
Significance
This policy shift has multiple strategic implications:
- Reduces import dependency on crude oil
- Supports India’s climate commitments and decarbonisation goals
- Promotes clean energy transition in aviation sector
- Encourages innovation in biofuels and synthetic fuels
- Strengthens India’s alignment with global aviation sustainability frameworks