Background
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas recently amended the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001, marking a significant policy shift in India's aviation sector.
Key Change: Expanded ATF Definition
- ATF definition now includes blends with synthesised hydrocarbons derived from non-petroleum sources
- This legal amendment enables the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India
- The reform mirrors India's ethanol blending programme for petrol, applied now to the aviation sector
Objectives of the Amendment
- Reduce import dependence: India imports a significant portion of its crude oil requirements
- Enhance energy security: Especially critical amid global disruptions like the West Asia crisis
- Promote cleaner aviation: Supporting environmental sustainability goals
- Align with global decarbonisation efforts: Including ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), mandatory from 2027
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - Technical Details
What is SAF?
- SAF is a biofuel produced from renewable feedstocks
- Chemically similar to conventional ATF
- Functions as a "drop-in" fuel – compatible with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure
- Requires no modifications to aircraft or fuel distribution systems
Feedstock Sources for SAF:
- Oils and fats: Used cooking oil, algae oils, animal fats, oilseeds
- Municipal solid waste
- Agricultural and forestry residues: Bagasse, rice husk, straw
- Sugars and starches
Important Note: Ethanol cannot be directly blended into ATF. It must first be converted into suitable hydrocarbons through processes like Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathway.
India's SAF Blending Targets
| Year | Blending Target |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 1% |
| 2028 | 2% |
| 2030 | 5% |
Global Comparison
India's SAF blending targets align with international trends:
- European Union: Mandating increasing SAF usage
- United Kingdom: Similar decarbonisation timelines
- United States: Supported by federal policies
- Japan and Singapore: Pursuing SAF adoption
Related Provisions and Initiatives
- Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) Pathway: Converts renewable alcohols (ethanol, butanol) into hydrocarbon-based SAF
- CORSIA: ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (mandatory from 2027)
- Energy Security: Part of India's broader strategy to reduce fossil fuel imports
Significance for India
- Energy Security: Reduces vulnerability to crude oil price fluctuations and supply disruptions
- Environmental Goals: Contributes to India's climate commitments
- Domestic Production: Opportunity for Indian farmers and waste management sector
- Import Substitution: Foreign exchange savings on crude oil imports