Govt Allows Ethanol Blending in Aviation Turbine Fuel to Boost Clean Energy

Ethanol Blending in Aviation Turbine Fuel

The Government of India has allowed the blending of ethanol in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), marking a new step towards cleaner and more sustainable aviation energy.

This decision has been taken to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and reduce India’s heavy dependence on imported crude oil. At present, India imports around 87% of its total oil requirement, which makes the country vulnerable to global price changes and supply disruptions.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a notification on April 17, 2026, updating the existing ATF marketing rules. As per the new definition, aviation turbine fuel will now be considered a mixture of hydrocarbons that can also include synthesised and blended components, based on Indian fuel standards.

With this change, India has aligned its aviation fuel regulations with global practices, where several countries are already moving towards the use of biofuels and blended fuels in the aviation sector.

Officials believe this step will encourage the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel in the coming years. It is also expected to support farmers and the biofuel industry, since ethanol is mainly produced from crops like sugarcane and maize. Airlines may gradually see cleaner operations, lower carbon emissions, and better fuel diversification over time.

In the long run, the move is expected to strengthen India’s energy security, reduce pollution from aviation, and support the country’s broader climate goals while slowly reducing dependence on costly imported oil.

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