New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday dismissed reports claiming that ethanol would be blended with aviation turbine fuel (ATF), terming the allegations “completely false and irresponsible” and warning against spreading misinformation related to aviation safety.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to mix ethanol with jet fuel and urged people not to confuse ethanol with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Government Clarifies Ethanol And SAF Are Different Fuels
Responding to claims circulating over ethanol-blended aviation fuel, the Civil Aviation Minister said ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel are entirely different categories of fuels and should not be treated as the same.
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He explained that SAF is an internationally recognised aviation fuel approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is being adopted by several countries as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
According to the minister, SAF undergoes extensive testing and must meet strict global safety standards before being permitted for aircraft operations.
Centre Warns Against Aviation Safety Misinformation
Naidu said misleading claims about aviation fuel can create unnecessary concerns among passengers and stressed that passenger safety remains the government’s top priority.
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He appealed to people to verify information before sharing claims related to aviation and fuel technology. The clarification came amid wider discussions over the government’s fuel blending initiatives, particularly ethanol blending in petrol for road vehicles.
Debate Over Ethanol-Blended Petrol Continues
The clarification also comes after Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament about the impact of E20 petrol, which contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
Gadkari said E20 fuel may lead to a reduction in fuel efficiency ranging between 2% and 6%, depending on the vehicle model, category and age.
However, he said studies have not found evidence suggesting that ethanol blending causes engine failures. The government has been promoting ethanol blending in petrol as part of its efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote alternative fuel sources.