Government Cushions Flyers As Jet Fuel Prices Surge

The government has stepped in to soften the impact of a sharp surge in aviation turbine fuel prices, triggered by global energy disruptions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. State-run oil firms like Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd have implemented only a partial, staggered hike for domestic airlines, limiting the immediate burden. However, international operations will bear the full cost. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have already introduced fuel surcharges, signalling that fare pressures may still build in the coming weeks.