Centre Denies Ethanol Blending in Jet Fuel
The Centre has rejected claims that India plans to blend ethanol directly with aviation turbine fuel, describing the allegation as false and irresponsible. The government clarified that no proposal exists to mix ordinary ethanol with fuel used by commercial aircraft.
Centre Denies Ethanol Blending in Jet Fuel
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said ethanol would not be blended directly with aviation turbine fuel. He warned that misleading statements about aircraft fuel could create unnecessary fear among passengers and damage confidence in aviation safety.
The clarification followed claims that the government intended to expand ethanol blending beyond petrol to include diesel and aviation fuel. The Centre said these claims incorrectly combined separate fuel technologies.
Ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Differ
The government explained that ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel are not the same product. Sustainable aviation fuel is an approved alternative fuel manufactured through specialised and certified production processes.
Some sustainable aviation fuel technologies may use alcohol, biomass, agricultural waste, used cooking oil or other materials as feedstocks. However, these raw materials undergo extensive processing before becoming aviation-grade fuel.
The final product must meet strict technical, performance and safety standards before being approved for use in aircraft. This is different from directly adding ordinary ethanol to aviation turbine fuel.
Government Reaffirms Aviation Safety Standards
The Civil Aviation Ministry said passenger safety remains its highest priority. Any fuel used by airlines must meet domestic regulations and internationally recognised aviation standards.
The clarification comes amid continuing debate over India’s ethanol-blended petrol programme. E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol and is intended for compatible road vehicles. The programme aims to reduce crude oil imports, support domestic ethanol production and lower dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
