Petroleum Ministry Amends ATF Framework to Allow Synthetic Fuel Blends

The petroleum and natural gas ministry amended the framework for the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) on Wednesday, formally allowing it to blend it with synthetic fuels. The measure is aimed towards bringing clarity to fuel standards amid growing use of alternative and blended aviation fuels.

The revised notification redefines ATF to include not just conventional hydrocarbon mixtures meeting IS 1571 specifications, but also blends incorporating synthesised hydrocarbons in accordance with IS 17081. The change comes amid the backdrop of already straining global energy shipments as Iran continues to tighten its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.

The amendment, titled the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Amendment Order, will take effect from the date it is published in the Official Gazette. It modifies provisions under the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001. As part of the changes, sub-clause (ii) of clause 2 in the principal order has been replaced with the updated definition of ATF. In the same clause, the reference to “IBP Co. Limited” under sub-clause (v) has been removed.

The notification also revises enforcement provisions. Clause 8(C) has been substituted to state that “the provisions of section 103 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), relating to search and seizure shall, as far as may be, apply to searches and seizures under this order”.

Coming to oil supplies across the country, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) had earlier assured that there was no disruption in supplies across northern regions, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Chandigarh. “There is absolutely no shortage of petrol and diesel, there is no shortage of transport fuel at all... at our depots and terminals as of date, we have got a stock of 12 days petrol, and diesel is about 16 days,” said Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director and State Head, IOCL Punjab State Office.

He also pointed to stable stock levels at retail outlets. “At our retail outlets as of date, we have got a petrol stock of about 13 days and diesel of about 6 days... absolutely no reason for any concern on the petrol and diesel side,” Gupta noted. On LPG, he said supplies remain steady despite increased demand. “The domestic LPG supplies have been normal... however, because of the conflict... There has been an increase in the bookings, and ultimately, resulting in the booking period to delivery period has increased.”

According to Gupta, delivery timelines have stretched from around two days to an average of six days. Highlighting India’s dependence on imports, he said, “India meets its LPG requirement, almost 60% of that is made through imports and out of that 60% imports, 90% is sourced from the Middle Eastern countries.” Even so, he maintained that supply chains are functioning efficiently with support from both central and state authorities. Domestic refineries in Panipat and Bathinda continue to meet nearly 80% of LPG demand in Punjab and Chandigarh, while essential services such as hospitals, educational institutions and pharmaceuticals are being prioritised. Digital bookings for LPG have also risen, increasing from about 81% to 93%.