Parliament Question: Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1978 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 30th July 2026 ) REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL 1978. SHRI TANUJ PUNIA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has amended the Aviation Turbine Fuel Rules to legalise the blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons in aircraft fuel and if so, the details thereof; (b) the details of the safety and testing standards being adopted to address technical concerns regarding engine blockage or freezing of ethanol-blended fuel due to low temperatures while flying at high altitudes; and (c) the current production capacity of ethanol-based ‘Alcohol-to-Jet’ plants in the country to meet the target of one per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel for international flights by 2027? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a): The Government has notified an amendment to the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001 (ATF Control Order) vide notification dated 17 April 2026 to bring ATF blended with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) under the ambit of the ATF Control Order. (b) & (c): The safety and technical requirements for SAF are governed by internationally accepted standards. ASTM D4054 prescribes the qualification and certification process for new aviation fuels, including laboratory, engine and flight testing to establish that they meet the performance and safety standards of conventional aviation turbine fuel. ASTM D7566 specifies the approved production pathways and blending requirements for SAF, while ASTM D1655 lays down the specifications for the final blended aviation turbine fuel. Accordingly, only SAF produced through ASTM-approved pathways and blended within the prescribed limits is permitted for use in aircraft.; The Government has approved indicative blending targets of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030 for SAF in conventional Aviation Turbine Fuel for international operations. Public sector Oil Marketing Companies are actively engaged in achieving the stated blending targets. ******