India Proposes 1% Mandatory Green Jet Fuel Blending from January, Targets 20% SAF Use by 2040

India is preparing to introduce mandatory blending of sustainable aviation fuel for international flights. A draft policy circulated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation proposes an initial blending requirement of 1% from January. 

The requirement would increase gradually under a longer roadmap, reaching 5% by 2030 and 20% by 2040. 

A Phased Roadmap for SAF 

The proposal divides the transition into two phases. The first phase aims to raise SAF blending to 5% by 2030. 

The second phase would take the blending requirement further, with a target of 20% by 2040. 

Airlines May Face New Fuel Requirements 

The draft also proposes that domestic and international airlines uplift nearly 90% of their annual aviation turbine fuel requirement for international operations from airports in India. 

The government has linked this proposal to preventing economic tankering, where airlines carry additional fuel to reduce purchases at airports where fuel costs are higher. 

SAF Can Be Used With Existing Aircraft 

Sustainable aviation fuel can be blended with conventional aviation turbine fuel without requiring airlines to replace existing aircraft or engines. 

According to the sources, SAF can potentially reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%, making it an important part of efforts to lower aviation-related emissions. 

Cost Remains a Major Concern 

Airlines have raised concerns about the cost of sustainable aviation fuel. According to  sources, bringing down production costs will be important for meeting the proposed targets. 

The draft also provides for possible penalties for airlines and oil marketing companies that fail to meet the proposed blending requirements. 

Read More: India Removes FY26 Carbon Emission Targets for Refineries and Textile Units Under Carbon Credit Scheme! 

Conclusion 

India's proposed roadmap would begin with a 1% SAF blending requirement and gradually move towards 20% by 2040. The proposal now places the focus on building enough supply while addressing the cost challenges associated with sustainable aviation fuel. 

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