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Rising Fuel Costs Set to Impact Flights and Food Prices (Image Source: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: In India, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)—the fuel used in aircraft—has reached a record high. On April 1, 2026, its price surged by over 114% to ₹2.07 lakh per kiloliter. This marks the first time that ATF has crossed the ₹2 lakh threshold. Previously, prices had reached such heights in 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine war, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
It is not just jet fuel; the prices of commercial LPG cylinders have also been hiked. The price of a 19-kg cylinder has gone up by ₹195.50, bringing its cost in Delhi to ₹2,078.50.
The prices of food items will explicitly rise since these cylinders are primarily used in hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.
However, there has been no change in the prices of domestic LPG cylinders this time around. The standard 14.2-kg domestic cylinder remains available at ₹913. This offers some temporary relief to average households, though the apprehension of future price hikes persists.
The primary reason behind this massive surge in fuel prices is the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The conflict led to a nearly 50% rise in oil prices, disrupted global supply, and impacted countries like India, which are heavily dependent on oil imports.
The rise in ATF prices will exert immense financial pressure on airlines. Fuel accounts for approximately 40% of an airline's total operating costs. Furthermore, due to the war, the airspace over several countries remains closed; consequently, flights are compelled to take longer routes, resulting in higher fuel consumption. This could lead to an increase in airfare prices in the near future. Petrol and diesel prices are currently stable.
No changes have been made to petrol and diesel prices at this time. In Delhi, petrol remains steady at ₹94.72 per liter and diesel at ₹87.62 per liter. However, given international price trends, the possibility of a future hike in these rates cannot be ruled out.
State-owned oil companies—such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum—review the prices of ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) and LPG on the first day of every month. This decision is based on international oil prices and the rupee-dollar exchange rate.
Overall, the rising prices of jet fuel and LPG could further fuel inflation. The impact of this will not be limited solely to the airline or hospitality industries; rather, it will gradually begin to be felt in the pockets of the common people as well.
