In a huge boost to sustainable aviation in India, IndianOil’s Panipat refinery has become the country’s first facility to receive international certification to convert used cooking oil into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Company chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney confirmed that the refinery has been awarded the ICAO’s ISCC CORSIA certification, a globally recognised standard under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

With this certification, the refinery will begin producing 35,000 tonnes of SAF annually from the end of this calendar year. According to Sahney, this capacity will be sufficient to meet India’s requirement of blending 1% SAF with conventional jet fuel by 2027, as mandated by government rules for international airlines. SAF can be blended with aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in ratios of up to 50%.

“We are the only company in the country to achieve this certification,” Sahney said. “The refinery’s SAF has undergone rigorous lifecycle carbon emission and traceability assessments, creating a clear pathway for Indian airlines to integrate certified SAF into their operations.”

The SAF will be produced using used cooking oil sourced from large establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and food companies like Haldiram. While collection from big chains is manageable, Sahney pointed out that a mechanism is still needed to tap into smaller users, including households.

“SAF produced at IOC's Panipat refinery has undergone rigorous assessment for lifecycle carbon emissions and traceability, creating a clear pathway for Indian airlines to integrate certified SAF into their operations,” Sahney further added.

Additionally, the ISCC CORSIA certification ensures that the fuel adheres to strict environmental and social standards. It also sets a clear benchmark for other Indian refiners and industry stakeholders to step up SAF production, supporting the government’s roadmap towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Under current plans, India will begin blending SAF with conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in a phased manner. Starting in 2027, a minimum of 1 per cent SAF will be mandated for all international flights, with the blend ratio expected to rise to 2% in 2028.

Sahney stressed that the SAF certification at Panipat sets a benchmark for other refiners to follow, enabling the aviation sector to progressively reduce its emissions and supporting India’s long-term net-zero 2070 goal.