Jet Fuel Price Soars Over ₹2 Lakh; Premium Petrol, Diesel Also Rise
Jet fuel prices in India have surged past ₹2 lakh per kiloliter for the first time, driven by global crude oil price increases due to the West Asia crisis. While premium petrol and diesel prices have also seen hikes, domestic flight fares are expected to be shielded from the full impact of the jet fuel price surge.
Key Highlights
- Jet fuel prices crossed ₹2 lakh per kiloliter for the first time in India.
- Premium petrol and diesel prices have also increased.
- The surge is attributed to the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising global crude oil prices.
- Domestic airlines will face a partial increase in jet fuel costs, with fares expected to rise gradually.
- International flight fares are expected to reflect the full increase in jet fuel prices.
- Commercial LPG prices have also seen an increase.
Jet fuel, also known as Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), has reached an unprecedented price of over ₹2 lakh per kiloliter in India, marking a significant surge attributed to the escalating West Asia crisis and its impact on global crude oil prices. This historic price hike, effective April 1, 2026, has been reported across major metro cities, with Delhi seeing a price of ₹2,07,341.22 per kiloliter. Chennai recorded the highest price at ₹2,14,597.66 per kiloliter, followed by Kolkata at ₹2,05,955.33 and Mumbai at ₹1,94,968.67. This represents more than a doubling of prices compared to the previous month, with increases ranging from 102% to 115% depending on the city. The surge in ATF prices is a direct consequence of global energy market disruptions, including supply chain issues and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) revise ATF prices on the first of every month based on international benchmarks and exchange rates. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has further exacerbated the situation, leading to a substantial rise in crude oil prices, which have more than doubled in recent weeks.
In tandem with the jet fuel price hike, prices for premium petrol and diesel have also seen an increase. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has raised the price of XP100 (100-octane petrol) in Delhi to ₹160 per liter from ₹149, and the price of 'Xtra Green' premium diesel has climbed from ₹91.49 to ₹92.99 per liter. Private fuel retailers like Shell India and Nayara Energy have also implemented price hikes for their petrol and diesel variants. However, the prices of regular petrol and diesel sold by state-owned oil companies in Delhi remained unchanged on April 2, 2026, at ₹94.77 per liter for petrol and ₹87.67 per liter for diesel.
The sharp increase in ATF prices has raised concerns about a potential spike in airfares. However, the Indian government, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has taken steps to mitigate the impact on domestic travelers. While international flights will bear the full brunt of the price increase, domestic airlines will face only a partial and staggered increase of 25% (approximately ₹15 per liter). This measure aims to insulate domestic travel costs from the extreme volatility in international prices and maintain stability in the domestic aviation market. Despite this cushioning, airlines are expected to gradually increase fares, as ATF constitutes a significant portion (around 40%) of their operational costs.
The price of commercial LPG has also seen an increase of ₹195.50 per 19kg cylinder, reflecting the surge in global crude oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict. This hike follows a previous increase on March 1, 2026.
The news is specific to India, though the underlying causes (global oil prices, geopolitical events) are international. The immediate impact and the government's response are localized to India. The article's accuracy is high, with multiple credible sources corroborating the key figures and events. The headline is not sensationalized; it accurately reflects the major developments. The news falls under the categories of Business, Economy, and National News.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have jet fuel prices in India surged so dramatically?
Jet fuel prices have surged due to the escalating West Asia crisis, leading to a significant increase in global crude oil prices and disruptions in energy markets, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Will airfares increase for domestic flights in India?
While jet fuel prices have increased significantly, domestic airlines will only face a partial and staggered increase in costs. The government has implemented measures to shield domestic travelers, so airfares are expected to rise gradually rather than sharply.
Are regular petrol and diesel prices also increasing in India?
As of April 2, 2026, regular petrol and diesel prices sold by state-owned oil companies in Delhi remained unchanged. However, premium variants of petrol and diesel, as well as those sold by private retailers, have seen price increases.