New Delhi, 01 October (H.S.):

Public-sector oil and gas marketing companies have raised jet fuel prices ahead of the festive season. The companies have increased the price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), commonly known as aviation fuel, by 13.22 per cent. This marks the third consecutive monthly increase in ATF prices, with the revised rates coming into effect from Thursday.

According to the Indian Oil website, the price of aviation fuel has been increased by around Rs 16 per litre, rising from Rs 121 per litre to Rs 137 per litre. Following the latest increase, the price of ATF for domestic airlines in Delhi stands at approximately Rs 1,37,000 per kilolitre, or Rs 137 per litre.

Amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, oil companies had earlier increased ATF prices by Rs 6.28 per litre, or 5.46 per cent, in September. In August too, ATF prices were raised by Rs 5 per litre. The increase in October stands at around 13 per cent, while jet fuel prices have risen by nearly 25 per cent over the past three months.

It is noteworthy that ATF accounts for up to 40 per cent of airlines’ operating expenses, making fuel prices a major cost factor for aviation companies. As a result, air travel could become more expensive in the coming period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar