Rising jet fuel prices to push Pakistan airfares up by 20-30%

Price of jet fuel has surged from Rs188.93 per litre to Rs342.32 per litre, PSO sources say

LAHORE:

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, and Israel has driven up global petroleum prices, with a direct impact on aviation fuel costs and airfare expected to go up in the coming days.

According to sources at Pakistan State Oil, the price of jet fuel has surged from ₨188.93 per litre to ₨342.32 per litre, marking an increase of ₨153.39 per litre following a ₨55 per litre rise in general petroleum products.

The increase is expected to force domestic and international airlines to raise airfares by 20% on domestic routes and up to 30% on international routes. Some airlines have already submitted proposals to their finance departments, and fares are likely to rise within the next one or two days.

Read: Airline shares battered as oil prices spike, Iran war intensifies

Fares from Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad to London could increase by up to ₨100,000, while tickets to Paris, Istanbul, New York, and Toronto may rise by ₨80,000–150,000.

Global petroleum prices are showing a rising trend, suggesting that international air travel will become more expensive. In Pakistan, more than a dozen airlines have prepared to increase fares, which could deliver a financial shock to Pakistanis travelling from abroad during the Eid holidays.

Higher jet fuel prices will also increase airlines’ operational costs, placing an additional financial burden on passengers.