India Mandates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blending: A Leap Towards Green Aviation

The Government of India has taken a significant step toward decarbonizing the aviation sector by amending the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Regulation Order. This amendment officially brings Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) under the regulatory framework, providing a legal basis for its production, storage, and usage. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set mandatory blending targets for international flights: 1% starting in 2027, scaling up to 5% by 2030. Aviation is globally recognized as a 'hard-to-abate' sector due to its heavy reliance on high-energy-density liquid fuels. SAF, produced from renewable feedstocks such as agricultural residue, used cooking oil, and municipal solid waste, can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. By mandating these targets, India is aligning its domestic policy with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).