Jet fuel prices surge 111% in a year, raising fears of higher airfares
Dubai: Global jet fuel prices have surged more than 111 per cent over the past year, climbing above $190 a barrel and intensifying pressure on airlines as they grapple with rising operating costs and the prospect of passing some of those increases on to passengers. The worldwide average reached $190.18 a barrel in the week ending October 9, 2026, an increase of 111.2 per cent from the same period…
Over the past year, global jet fuel prices have skyrocketed by more than 111 percent, reaching $190.18 per barrel in the week ending October 9, 2026. This represents a dramatic increase of 111.2 percent from the same period a year earlier, according to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Jet Fuel Price Monitor. Prices rose 1.5 percent from the week prior and were 3.1 percent above the monthly average, highlighting the persistent rise in one of aviation's major operating expenses.
The price surge demonstrates considerable regional disparities, with jet fuel costing over $200 per barrel in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, while it was approximately $165 in the Middle East. Concerns have arisen about airline profitability, flight operating costs, and the potential for higher airfares due to these rising expenses.
Jet fuel prices have fluctuated throughout September and early October, but the overall trend has been upward. The global average was $181.46 per barrel in the week ending September 11, then rose 7.4 percent to $194.90 the following week. It fell 4.9 percent to $185.43 in the week ending September 25 before rebounding to $187.34 on October 2, a 1 percent weekly increase, and then climbing another 1.5 percent to $190.18 on October 9.
Despite a decline in late September, prices still rose by around 4.8 percent between September 11 and October 9.
The fluctuations illustrate the challenges airlines face in managing fuel expenditure when prices change rapidly over short periods. Europe recorded the highest average jet fuel price at $202.61 per barrel, marking a 3.4 percent increase from the previous week, 3.5 percent from the previous month, and 122.4 percent compared to a year ago.
Africa followed at $196.54 per barrel, up 1.4 percent weekly, 1.8 percent monthly, and 118.1 percent annually. North America's average was $192.64, with increases of 0.9 percent weekly, 3.8 percent monthly, and 110.3 percent over the past year. Latin America and the Caribbean averaged $188.78 per barrel, a 0.6 percent decrease from the previous week but 0.6 percent higher monthly and 103.5 percent above a year earlier.
Asia-Pacific reported an average of $175.44 per barrel, up 0.7 percent weekly, 2.4 percent monthly, and 102.1 percent annually. The Middle East had the lowest prices at $165.01 per barrel, with prices falling 0.3 percent weekly and 0.2 percent monthly, yet still 96.7 percent higher than a year earlier.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
