New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has categorically denied reports claiming that the Central Government plans to mix ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu clarified that no such proposal is under consideration, dismissing public claims regarding ethanol blending in jet fuel as "completely false and irresponsible".
Union Minister Clarifies Stand on Jet Fuel Standards
Addressing concerns raised over aviation safety, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu stated on Thursday that spreading unverified information regarding aircraft fuel creates unnecessary anxiety among air travelers. He reassured the public that passenger safety remains the government's top priority and that aviation fuel standards adhere to strict national and international regulations.
"The claim that the government plans to blend ethanol with ATF is completely false and irresponsible. Spreading misinformation on aviation safety only creates needless anxiety among air travellers. Passenger safety remains the Government's highest priority."
— K. Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation
The clarification was issued following claims posted on social media by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who alleged that the central government was considering blending ethanol into ATF, raising concerns about potential impacts on flight safety.
Distinguishing Ethanol from Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
A key highlight of the Union Minister's statement was the technical distinction between standard ethanol used in road transport and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Minister Naidu emphasized that the two fuels are fundamentally different and should not be confused:
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Ethanol: Primarily used in automobile fuel blending (such as E20 petrol for road vehicles), ethanol in its raw form is not used as a direct additive for jet engines.
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): SAF is a specialized, bio-based or synthetic fuel recognized globally by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It undergoes rigorous, multi-stage refining and international certification to ensure it meets exact thermal, chemical, and performance parameters required for high-altitude jet turbine operation.
While India has explored alcohol-to-jet technology pathways to produce processed SAF in pilot facilities, the final certified product used in aircraft is distinct from raw ethanol blending.
What are India's Actual Aviation Biofuel Goals?
Although direct ethanol blending in ATF is not proposed, India is actively aligning with international decarbonization pathways for commercial aviation through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
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Phased SAF Adoption: In line with global standards set by the ICAO, India is planning a phased rollout of SAF blending for international commercial flights, starting with modest targets (such as 1% blending by 2027).
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Global Certification Compliance: Any aviation fuel blend adopted in India must meet strict ASTM and ICAO safety certifications before commercial deployment.
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Focus on Domestic Feedstocks: Sustainable aviation initiatives in India focus on certified pathways utilizing waste feedstocks, such as used cooking oil and agricultural residues processed through approved refineries.
