Govt Allows Aviation Turbine Fuel Blending With Synthetic Fuels Under New Rules

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 5:22 PM IST

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has amended rules governing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), allowing conventional jet fuel to be blended with synthetic hydrocarbons.

The petroleum ministry issued a notification dated April 17, 2026, amending the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has amended rules governing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), allowing conventional jet fuel to be blended with synthetic hydrocarbons, in a move aimed at aligning India’s fuel regulations with evolving global standards and emerging cleaner fuel technologies.

The ministry issued a notification dated April 17, 2026, amending the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001.

Under the revised definition, ATF will now mean a complex mixture of hydrocarbons conforming to IS 1571 specifications or its blend with synthesised hydrocarbons as specified in IS 17081.

What The Change Means

The amendment formally recognises blended aviation fuels under India’s regulatory framework. This is significant as the aviation industry globally is exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), synthetic fuels and lower-emission alternatives to reduce carbon footprint.

By permitting blending under recognised Indian standards, the government has created regulatory clarity for refiners, marketers, airlines and fuel suppliers looking to adopt next-generation aviation fuels.

Focus On Cleaner Aviation Fuels

Synthetic and blended fuels are increasingly being promoted worldwide as airlines face pressure to decarbonise operations. These fuels can be produced from multiple sources, including biomass, waste feedstock, renewable power pathways and other low-carbon processes.

The latest amendment could help India prepare for wider adoption of such fuels as domestic aviation traffic expands rapidly.

India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, and fuel accounts for a major portion of airline operating costs. A clearer regulatory framework for blended ATF can support innovation, future supply chains and sustainability goals.

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