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

State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) hiked Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices dramatically on the first day of FY 2026-27, crossing ₹2 lakh per kilolitre for the first time amid West Asia crisis—marking over 100% surge.

In Delhi, ATF jumped ₹1,10,703.08 per kl (114.5%) to ₹2,07,341.22—second consecutive monthly rise after March 1's 5.70% (₹5,244.75) increase. This unprecedented doubling—first since Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion peaked ATF at ~₹1.10 lakh—spikes operating costs for airlines, signaling higher airfares.

Crisis Impact

US-Israel-Iran war has crippled Strait of Hormuz shipping, halting crude and gas flows, skyrocketing global oil. Domestic airlines face 80% fuel cost share; fare hikes loom as OMCs align with international benchmarks post-March buffer.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar