India's Draft SAF Policy Flags Cost 2‑3 Times Higher Than Jet Fuel

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has released a draft policy to promote <b>Sustainable Aviation Fuel</b> (SAF), an alternative derived from non‑petroleum feedstocks that can cut emissions from air travel. The document warns that SAF could be <b>2‑3 times</b> more expensive than conventional jet fuel, raising concerns about commercial viability. To offset the price gap, the draft proposes fiscal incentives, blending mandates and a roadmap for domestic production, aiming for <b>5% SAF usage by 2030</b>. Officials say the higher cost is a short‑term hurdle and that the policy will be finalised after stakeholder consultations. The move aligns with global decarbonisation goals and the US Department of Energy’s endorsement of SAF.