The Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially dismissed speculation suggesting that the Indian government is planning to blend ethanol into Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu termed these claims entirely false, baseless, and irresponsible. He emphasized that the government has no proposal under consideration to introduce ethanol into jet fuel. The Minister stated that passenger safety remains the highest priority for the government, and spreading misinformation regarding aviation safety only creates unwarranted anxiety among air travelers.
Clear Distinction Between Ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Addressing misconceptions circulating online, the Civil Aviation Minister outlined the crucial technical differences between conventional ethanol and green aviation fuels. In a post on X, Ram Mohan Naidu clarified, "Ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel are completely different and should not be confused with each other." He elaborated that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a globally certified fuel formally recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and implemented across the world.
The Minister explained that SAF undergoes rigorous testing procedures to ensure compliance with stringent international safety standards before it is approved for commercial aviation. Airlines globally are adopting SAF as a safe and eco-friendly alternative to lower carbon emissions. Therefore, confusing SAF with standard ethanol or equating the two concepts is technically incorrect and misleading to the public.
Government Responds to Opposition Allegations
The clarification comes in response to claims made by former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal regarding aviation fuel safety. In a social media post released on Thursday morning, Arvind Kejriwal alleged that according to sources, the Modi government was preparing to introduce ethanol blending into Aviation Turbine Fuel. He expressed concern that experts believe such a move could severely compromise flight safety.
Arvind Kejriwal has frequently raised questions regarding the government's ethanol blending program in petrol. However, the Civil Aviation Ministry's statement confirms that allegations concerning jet fuel blending are completely unfounded and devoid of factual backing.
Current Status of Ethanol Blending in India
Clarifying the scope of the country's fuel blending policy, the government reiterated that ethanol blending in India is strictly restricted to petrol. Currently, standard petrol supplied across all fuel stations nationwide contains a 20 percent ethanol blend.
The government reaffirmed that there are no plans to expand ethanol blending to any other fuel categories beyond petrol. Neither diesel nor aviation turbine fuel is being considered for ethanol integration. Authorities maintained that aviation safety protocols are handled with utmost sensitivity, adhering strictly to established global frameworks.
