Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 7: Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Thursday dismissed claims that the Centre was planning to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), calling the allegations "completely false and irresponsible" and warning that such misinformation could create unnecessary panic among air travellers.

In a post on X, Naidu clarified that there was no proposal to blend ethanol with aviation fuel and reiterated that passenger safety remained the government's top priority.

"There is no such proposal. Spreading misinformation on aviation safety only creates needless anxiety among air travellers," the minister said.

His remarks came in response to allegations by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who claimed the Centre was planning to mix ethanol with ATF and questioned the safety of aircraft operating on such fuel.

Naidu clarified that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are entirely different and should not be confused.

He said SAF is an internationally certified aviation fuel recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and is already being adopted by several countries after undergoing rigorous testing and meeting stringent global safety standards.

Aviation experts also dismissed the possibility of blending ethanol with ATF, pointing out that ethanol is chemically incompatible with aviation turbine fuel and cannot simply be mixed without extensive scientific research and certification.

SAF, produced from renewable feedstocks, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 65 to 80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel. ICAO has identified SAF as a key component in achieving the global aviation sector's target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and continues to support member countries in expanding its adoption.