Marking the third consecutive monthly review since August, state-run oil marketing companies have escalated aviation turbine fuel prices by approximately 16 rupees per litre, moving rates from 121 rupees to 137 rupees for domestic carriers and registering an impressive 13.22 per cent surge due to soaring global crude values late last month. In tandem with jet fuel, commercial cooking gas cylinder prices have climbed by 62.50 rupees in response to shifting international energy trends, compounding financial pressures across sectors. Given that jet fuel constitutes nearly 40 per cent of airline overhead costs, this sharp escalation deals a severe blow to carrier operating budgets right at the onset of the festive season, though airlines currently appear hesitant to levy additional surcharges on travelers as no formal announcements have been made. As fuel values are dynamically evaluated on the first of every month based on currency exchange rates and international benchmarks—subject to state-specific local taxes and VAT—ordinary consumers receive a much-needed reprieve as retail petrol and diesel rates are kept steady, holding firm since their last major revision in May.
