India expands biofuel production from used cooking oil

Indian petroleum companies are increasing purchases of used cooking oil (UCO) from restaurants and food service businesses for biofuel production. According to The Economic Times, the collected feedstock is used to produce alternative fuels for aviation and road transport. The initiative aims to develop domestic biofuel production and reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil imports.

Specialized contractors collect used cooking oil under the Used Cooking Oil program. Companies seeking to increase feedstock purchases include Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum. They require tens of thousands of tons of used cooking oil to expand production, but current collection volumes remain insufficient to meet industry demand.

The Indian government is supporting the development of biofuel production. Starting in January 2027, Indian airlines will be required to use a 1% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on international flights. The target is expected to increase to 5% by 2030. Similar goals have been established to expand alternative fuel use in road transport.

Meanwhile, India plans to increase exports of used cooking oil to international markets, including the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. Growing demand for this feedstock from biofuel producers is creating additional opportunities to develop collection and processing systems.

According to S&P Global, India’s demand for sustainable aviation fuel could reach 250 thsd tons by the end of the decade. Global SAF consumption is projected to increase by approximately 600% to 14 mln tons by 2035. Expanding SAF production is expected to intensify competition for used cooking oil as one of the key feedstocks for the biofuel industry.

Tags: India, used cooking oil