India Permits Ethanol Blending in Aviation Fuel

India's government has amended regulations to permit the blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons, including sustainable aviation fuel, into aviation turbine fuel, marking a step toward cleaner aviation and reduced oil imports. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the notification on April 17, 2026, updating the Aviation Turbine Fuel Regulation of Marketing Order, 2001, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The changes take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette.

The amendment broadens the definition of aviation turbine fuel, or ATF, to encompass mixtures of hydrocarbons meeting Indian Standard IS 1571 or blends with synthetic hydrocarbons under IS 17081. Previously, ATF was primarily derived from refining crude oil. This revision enables the integration of sustainable aviation fuel, produced from renewable sources such as agricultural residues, waste oils, municipal solid waste, and ethanol. Officials stated the move aims to lower carbon emissions and decrease India's heavy reliance on imported crude oil, which supplies about 85 percent of the country's needs.

No mandatory blending targets have been established for domestic flights at...