India amends ATF rules for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

The Government of India has amended fuel regulations to allow the blending of alternative and synthesised components in aviation turbine fuel (ATF), paving the way for the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, through a notification dated April 17, 2026, revised the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, updating the definition and regulatory framework for ATF. 

Key Changes

• ATF is now defined as: “A complex mixture of hydrocarbons conforming to IS 1571 specification or blended with synthesised hydrocarbons as specified in IS 17081.”
• The revised definition permits blending with synthetic hydrocarbons, enabling future SAF integration.
• Although ethanol is not explicitly mentioned, the broader definition leaves scope for ethanol-linked biofuel pathways.

No Immediate Blending Mandate

• The government has not set mandatory blending targets for domestic aviation fuel.
• However, the policy signals a gradual transition toward cleaner fuels.

Push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): SAF is considered a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel as it: 

• Reduces lifecycle carbon emissions
• Works with existing aircraft systems (no major modifications required)
• Can be produced from renewable sources such as:
  • Waste oils and fats
  • Agricultural residues
  • Municipal solid waste
  • Sugar and cereals
  • Captured CO₂

SAF is also often referred to as synthetic or man-made hydrocarbons.

Global Context: Countries like the United Kingdom and Japan are already mandating SAF blending to curb aviation emissions, reflecting a global shift toward sustainable air travel.

India’s SAF Roadmap: India has outlined phased blending targets for international flights:

• 1% SAF by 2027
• 2% SAF by 2028
• 5% SAF by 2030

These targets align with the global framework of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), led by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

About CORSIA

• A global market-based mechanism to cap CO₂ emissions from international aviation at 2020 levels
• Voluntary phase: 2021–2026
• Mandatory phase: 2027–2035 (for most countries).

Sources: HT & BS