**Subject: Inquiry Regarding Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF) Theft and Mitigation Measures**
This summary addresses Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2729, concerning the theft of Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF) in Delhi, posed on August 5, 2025.
The Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledges awareness of the case, FIR No. 154/2025, registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on June 22, 2025, under relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to the theft of ATF. The case involves an organized gang stealing approximately 5,000 liters of ATF daily over the past three years. Ten individuals have been arrested in connection with this case. Investigations confirmed that the stolen ATF was being sold as turpentine oil in the open market.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has informed that Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the secure transportation of fuel. Furthermore, ATF receiving locations at airports conduct quality control checks prior to acceptance, including assessments of density, appearance, and water content, in accordance with the Aviation Quality Control and Assurance Manual (AQCAM). These measures are in place to mitigate risks to aircraft safety, engine functioning, and passenger safety associated with adulterated fuel.
Key Entities Referenced
Aircraft Turbine Fuel ATF: Aviation fuel that was stolen and sold as turpentine oil.
Delhi: City where the theft of ATF was busted by the Crime Branch. It's likely Delhi is the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Delhi Police, Crime Branch: Law enforcement agency that busted the gang involved in the theft of Aircraft Turbine Fuel.
Ministry of Home Affairs: The Indian government ministry to which the question was addressed.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: The Indian government ministry that informed about the Standard Operating Procedures for safe transportation of fuel.
Standard Operating Procedure SOP: A set of procedures implemented to monitor fuel transportation, supply, and security.
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS: Legal code under which the case regarding theft of Aircraft Turbine Fuel ATF, was registered
Aviation Quality Control and Assurance Manual AQCAM: Manual specifying procedures for quality checks at ATF receiving locations at the airport.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2729
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 5TH AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 14, 1947 (SAKA)
THEFT OF ATF
†2729. SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that recently an organised
gang involved in theft of Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF) was busted by the Crime
Branch in Delhi which was stealing around 5,000 litres of the fuel daily
during the last three years;
(b) whether it is also a fact that the stolen fuel was being sold in the open
market by declaring it as turpentine oil and this adulterated fuel could pose
a serious threat to aircraft safety, engine functioning and lives of
passengers; and
(c) whether the Government is going to implement any concrete Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) in this direction so that fuel transportation,
supply and security can be strictly monitored and if so, its forms thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a) and (b): As per the input provided by Delhi Police, Crime Branch, Delhi
has registered a case vide FIR No. 154/2025 dated 22.06.2025 u/s 316
(3)/303(1)/125/110/61(2)/3(5) Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) regarding theft of
Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF), and arrested 10 accused persons in this case.-2-
L.S.US.Q.NO. 2729 FOR 05.08.2025
The investigation has revealed the stolen Aircraft Turbine Fuel was sold in
the open market by declaring as turpentine oil.
(c): The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has informed that Public
Sector Oil Marketing Companies have laid down Standard Operating
Procedure for safe and secure transportation of fuel. Further, the ATF
receiving locations at the airport conduct quality checks, including density,
appearance and water content, prior to acceptance. These checks are
carried out in strict compliance with the procedures specified in the
Aviation Quality Control and Assurance Manual (AQCAM).
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