US airlines jet fuel spending tops USD 6 billion again as prices stay elevated

US airlines spent USD 6.66 billion on jet fuel in May, marking a second straight month above USD 6 billion, government data show. Spending rose 84 per cent year on year, mainly due to higher jet fuel prices, while consumption fell 0.6 per cent. Carriers have raised fares and fees and adjusted schedules.

US airlines spent USD 6.66 billion on jet fuel in May, government data showed. That marked a second month with costs above USD 6 billion. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported the May total was 84 per cent higher than May 2025. The rise reflected higher prices more than a jump in fuel use.

Airlines worldwide have reacted to costlier fuel by increasing fares and extra fees. Many carriers have also reduced flight schedules. Fuel usually ranks among the biggest operating expenses for airlines. This makes airline finances sensitive to changes in global energy prices and supply routes.

US airlines jet fuel costs rise as prices stay high

US carriers paid an average of USD 4.09 per gallon in May. That was slightly below USD 4.11 in April. However, the May price was 85 per cent above the USD 2.21 paid in May 2025. The figures showed price pressure remained the main driver of higher spending.

Fuel consumption did not increase much despite the higher bills. US carriers used 1.627 billion gallons in May, down 0.6 per cent from May 2025. The agency also said April consumption was slightly lower than a year earlier. This pointed to demand and schedules staying stable overall.

Airlines spent USD 6.47 billion on fuel in April, the bureau said. May spending rose above that figure even though fuel use did not climb. The government data suggested airlines faced costs mainly due to elevated market prices. It also showed the pressure lasted for two straight months.

US airlines jet fuel costs linked to Strait of Hormuz tensions

The latest data reflected a surge in energy costs after conflict in the Middle East began this year. The disruption affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The route is important for global crude and refined fuel supplies. Airlines remained exposed as price swings filtered into jet fuel bills.

Prices eased from spring highs after the US and Iran reached an interim ceasefire agreement. That provided some relief following a costly spring for airlines. Still, the truce remained uncertain. The British military said three tankers were hit by projectiles Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US also revoked a licence that had allowed Iranian oil sales under the agreement. This added fresh uncertainty for oil and fuel markets. Any renewed supply risks could affect fuel costs again. Airlines have watched these developments closely because fuel costs can change quickly.

US airlines jet fuel costs and earnings updates in focus

Delta Air Lines is set to report second-quarter financial results on Friday. The results start a period of earnings reports from US carriers. Executives are expected to address how lower recent fuel prices may affect finances. Analysts often track fuel trends when judging airline margins and guidance.

Newer market data showed lower prices in key cities. The average jet fuel price on Monday in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York was USD 2.90 per gallon. The Argus US Jet Fuel Index provided that figure. The index tracks average daily prices across those hubs.

With inputs from PTI