India freezes domestic jet fuel price, cuts overseas rate

State-owned oil companies in India have held the price of jet fuel for domestic flights unchanged for June, while simultaneously reducing the cost for international carriers. The decision provides a measure of relief to an aviation sector struggling with high operational costs and geopolitical disruptions.

The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) for domestic airlines will remain at 104,927 rupees per kilolitre in Delhi, marking the second consecutive month without an increase. Concurrently, fuel prices for international flights have been reduced by approximately 27 percent, bringing the rate down to around 1,100 dollars per kilolitre. This adjustment aligns international jet fuel costs more closely with domestic levels.

The move follows direct appeals from major Indian airlines, which had urged fuel refiners to halt price hikes for domestic operations. Carriers have been contending with a sharp rise in expenses, driven largely by the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its impact on global oil markets. In April, domestic jet fuel prices increased by 8.6 percent. Officials said state-owned refiners absorbed higher international costs in May to avoid passing them on, and are now...