Government Clarifies No Proposal Exists To Blend Ethanol With ATF

The Union government on Thursday dismissed reports claiming that it was considering blending ethanol with aviation turbine fuel (ATF), calling the assertions "completely false and irresponsible." The Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to introduce ethanol into aviation fuel and stressed that the claims circulating on social media and other platforms do not reflect any official policy or government initiative.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the government has neither proposed nor examined the use of ethanol in ATF. He cautioned that the spread of inaccurate information about aviation fuel could unnecessarily alarm passengers and undermine public confidence in the safety of air travel. The minister reiterated that all decisions concerning aviation fuel are guided by stringent technical assessments and internationally accepted safety standards.

Kinjarapu also emphasised that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are entirely different fuels and should not be confused. While ethanol is commonly blended with petrol for use in the road transport sector, it has no role in aviation turbine fuel under the existing regulatory framework. In contrast, SAF is a globally recognised aviation fuel that is developed specifically for aircraft and is subject to rigorous testing and certification before being approved for commercial use.

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According to the minister, Sustainable Aviation Fuel complies with international standards and is endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Before it is permitted for use in aircraft, SAF undergoes extensive evaluation to ensure it meets strict safety, performance and operational requirements. The government said this certification process distinguishes SAF from ethanol and ensures that aviation fuel continues to meet the highest levels of safety and reliability.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation reaffirmed that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that there is no official proposal to blend ethanol with aviation turbine fuel. It also urged the public to rely on verified information and official government communications, warning that misinformation on sensitive issues such as aviation safety can create unnecessary anxiety and confusion among passengers.

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