India Opens Doors to Ethanol Blending in Aviation Fuel

India allows the inclusion of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuel, aiming to cut emissions and reduce oil imports. No mandatory blending targets are set yet, but the amendment underlines a shift towards sustainable aviation fuels, aligning with global trends and the CORSIA mandate.

In a pursuit to reduce carbon emissions and lessen reliance on imported oil, India has authorized the blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons with aviation turbine fuel (ATF), according to a recent government notification.

Although no strict blending targets have been established, the move represents a significant step towards sustainable aviation practices. The amendment comes under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, modifying the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001. The updated regulation now includes blends of synthetic hydrocarbons within the definition of ATF.

Countries such as the UK and Japan are already mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). India plans to blend SAF into international jet fuel by 2027. The international mandate, CORSIA, aims to curb CO2 emissions from international flights, with SAF blends poised to play a central role.