In a national first, Indian Oil’s Panipat refinery has been certified to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by converting used cooking oil into jet-grade fuel.

The certification, issued by Swiss-based Cotecna Inspection Group through its Indian arm, followed a coordinated effort between the petroleum and aviation ministries and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The facility is now India’s first certified co-processing plant for SAF, compliant with CORSIA — the UN’s carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation.

India is considering a SAF blending mandate, starting with one percent for all international flights by 2027, rising to two percent thereafter, with domestic blending to follow. The Panipat breakthrough aims to address supply challenges and advance India’s green aviation push, aligning with global carbon reduction goals.