India permitted the blending of ethanol and other synthetic hydrocarbons in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) through a notification issued on 17 April 2026. The change was made under the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001, which operates under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The amended order expands the definition of ATF to include synthetic components.
ATF and its regulatory framework
Aviation Turbine Fuel is the kerosene-type fuel used in gas-turbine aircraft engines. In India, ATF marketing and distribution are regulated through the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001. The Essential Commodities Act, 1955, provides the legal basis for control orders on essential goods, including petroleum products.
Blending and fuel composition
- Indian carriers currently use pure jet fuel in ATF, with no biofuels mixed into it.
- The new provision allows ethanol and other synthetic hydrocarbons to be blended with ATF.
- No immediate mandatory blending target has been fixed for domestic flights in India.
Import dependence and emissions
India meets over 85% of its fuel needs through imported crude oil. Aviation fuel blending policies are linked to crude import dependence and carbon emissions from the aviation sector. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel that can be produced from biomass and agricultural feedstock.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a cleaner-burning aviation fuel made from renewable feedstocks. These feedstocks include waste oils and fats, sugar and cereals, municipal solid waste, and agricultural residues. SAF is used as a lower-carbon substitute in jet fuel supply chains.
International aviation targets
India has set SAF blending targets for international flights at 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030. These targets are aligned with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, known as CORSIA. CORSIA is a global carbon-offsetting framework for international aviation under the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Related exam facts
- ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations established in 1944.
- CORSIA applies to international aviation and uses carbon offsetting and emissions monitoring mechanisms.