ATF price up marginally, rates at record high

Jet fuel, which makes up for almost 40% of the running cost of an airline, has this year surged to new highs

Image for representation. File. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Jet fuel prices on Saturday were hiked by a marginal 0.2% — the eighth straight increase this year — to an all-time high, reflecting a surge in global energy prices.

The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) — the fuel that helps aeroplanes fly — was hiked by ₹277.5 per kilolitre, or 0.2%, to ₹1,13,202.33 per kl (₹113.2 per litre) in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers.

Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for the 10th straight day after rising by a record ₹10 per litre each.

While jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month, petrol and diesel rates are revised daily based on equivalent rates in the international market.

The increase in ATF price comes on back of the steepest ever hike of 18.3% (₹17,135.63 per kl) effected on March 16 and a 2% (₹2,258.54 per kl) increase on April 1.

ATF in Mumbai now costs ₹111,981.99 per kl, while it is priced at ₹117,753.60 in Kolkata and ₹116.933.49 in Chennai.

Fuel rates have been increased in India because energy prices globally have risen on back of supply concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demand returning after being hit by the pandemic.

India is 85% dependent on imports to meet its oil needs.

Jet fuel, which makes up for almost 40% of the running cost of an airline, has this year surged to new highs.

ATF prices have increased every fortnight since the start of 2022. In eight hikes beginning January 1, ATF prices have been increased by ₹39,180.42 or almost 50%.