Flight Tickets May Get Costlier? ATF Price Hiked by INR 16/Litre From October 1, Check Impact on Airfares
ATF prices have jumped by around INR 16 per litre from October 1, raising operating costs for domestic airlines. With jet fuel accounting for up to 40% of airline expenses, the hike could put pressure on airfares. However, ticket prices will also depend on passenger demand, competition and seat availability.
New Delhi, October 1: Air travel could come under fresh cost pressure as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have increased sharply from October 1, with jet fuel becoming around INR 16 per litre more expensive for domestic airlines. ATF prices have risen to around INR 137 per litre from INR 121 per litre, adding to the operating expenses of airlines at a time when fuel remains one of their biggest costs.
The latest monthly revision comes amid movements in international fuel benchmarks and the rupee-US dollar exchange rate. ATF accounts for roughly 35-40% of airline operating costs in India, meaning a sustained rise in jet fuel prices can have a significant impact on carriers' expenses.
Will Flight Tickets Become More Expensive?
The increase in ATF prices could put upward pressure on airfares, but it does not automatically mean that ticket prices will rise immediately. Airlines consider several factors while setting fares, including fuel costs, passenger demand, competition, route-specific demand and seat availability. LPG Cylinder Price Hike: Commercial Gas Cylinder Gets Costlier From October 1, Check City-Wise Rates.
If higher ATF prices persist, airlines could look at adjusting fares or other charges to offset part of the additional operating cost. However, the extent to which the fuel-cost increase is passed on to passengers will depend on individual airlines and market conditions. LPG Cylinder Booking From October 1: How Aadhaar Authentication Will Affect Subsidy.
ATF Prices Rise for Second Consecutive Month
The October increase follows two consecutive monthly hikes in ATF prices. In September, aviation fuel prices increased by INR 6.28 per litre, or 5.46%, after rising by around INR 5 per litre in August.
The latest increase therefore adds to the fuel-cost burden faced by domestic carriers. The impact can vary depending on an airline's fleet efficiency, fuel consumption, route network and aircraft utilisation.
Commercial LPG Cylinder Price Also Hiked
Along with ATF, the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders has also increased from October 1. The cylinder has become INR 62.59 more expensive, adding to costs for restaurants, hotels and other commercial establishments.
Commercial LPG prices had increased by just INR 9.50 per cylinder in September. Before that, prices were reduced by INR 192 in August and INR 183.50 in July.
Domestic LPG, Petrol and Diesel Prices Unchanged
There is no change in the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder, which remains at INR 942. Petrol and diesel prices have also been kept unchanged.
The latest monthly revision therefore places the immediate additional fuel-cost burden primarily on airlines through higher ATF prices and commercial users through higher LPG prices.
Why ATF Prices Are Revised Every Month
ATF prices are revised at the beginning of every month and are influenced by international benchmark prices and movements in the rupee against the US dollar. State-level taxes, including VAT, can also affect the final price paid by airlines at different airports.
For passengers, the key takeaway is that higher ATF prices increase airline operating costs, but whether that translates into higher airfares will depend on how carriers respond and on prevailing demand and competition in the aviation market.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 10:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).