Several airlines in China will increase fuel surcharges on domestic flights starting Sunday, as rising jet fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East push up operating expenses.
Carriers including Air China, Spring Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and its subsidiary Xiamen Air announced increases of 60 yuan (€7.55) for flights up to 800 kilometers and 120 yuan (around €15) for longer routes.
The move follows a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices. According to the International Air Transport Association, the average price of kerosene climbed to $197 per barrel last week, up from $95.5 a month earlier.
Airlines worldwide have begun adopting similar measures in response to surging oil prices. In Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific recently raised its fuel surcharge by 34% across all flights, applying to tickets issued from April 1. The airline said it will review the surcharge every two weeks due to ongoing volatility in oil markets.
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Oil prices themselves have surged, rising more than 4% after Donald Trump threatened to launch military strikes against Iran within the next two to three weeks. Brent crude jumped 5% to $106.22 per barrel, while U.S. crude rose 4.2% to $104.36.
The price spike has been exacerbated by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas typically passes, following a military offensive launched by the United States and Israel in late February.
