India to Introduce Mandatory Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blending from 2027

India is preparing to introduce a mandatory Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending requirement beginning January 2027, marking a major step toward reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector. Under the proposed policy, airlines operating in the country would be required to use a 1% blend of SAF with conventional aviation turbine fuel.

The initiative is part of India’s broader clean energy and climate strategy aimed at supporting low-carbon transportation and meeting long-term net-zero objectives. Aviation is one of the more challenging sectors to decarbonize due to its heavy dependence on fossil fuels, making SAF an important solution for lowering emissions without major changes to existing aircraft infrastructure.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is typically produced from renewable and waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, municipal waste, and other biomass sources. Compared to traditional jet fuel, SAF can significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.

The proposed mandate is also expected to encourage investment in India’s emerging green fuel ecosystem by boosting domestic production capacity, supporting innovation, and creating new opportunities for biofuel manufacturers and clean energy companies. Industry stakeholders are likely to receive a transition period to scale up supply chains and infrastructure before the regulation comes into force.

The move aligns India with global efforts to promote cleaner aviation under international climate frameworks and reflects increasing momentum toward sustainable transportation solutions across sectors.

An Indian SAF mandate from 2027 accelerates domestic feedstock demand, biorefinery investment and aviation-sector Scope 3 disclosure requirements simultaneously. Our energy-transition and supply-chain-and-operations teams help airlines, fuel producers and financial institutions evaluate SAF-linked positioning against ReFuelEU alignment, CORSIA and cross-jurisdiction compliance.