Will Your Flight Tickets Get Costlier? What We Know About Possible Fare Surge

Published 24 June 2026 · india

Will Your Flight Tickets Get Costlier? What We Know About Possible Fare Surge Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 17:28 IST The report warned

Will Your Flight Tickets Get Costlier? What We Know About Possible Fare Surge Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 17:28 IST The report warned that if fuel costs continue to rise, airfares could climb by as much as 20–25%, given that fuel accounts for roughly 30% of airline ticket prices. Prices have already been driven higher largely by crude oil trends, but supply-side pressures are adding further strain. (AI-generated image) Air travellers could face higher ticket prices ahead of the busy summer season as jet fuel costs remain under pressure from geopolitical tensions and refinery constraints, according to industry estimates.

A McKinsey report highlighted that disruption in global energy routes and tighter refining capacity are straining jet fuel supply, which could increase airline operating costs and, in turn, push fares higher. The report warned that if fuel costs continue to rise, airfares could climb by as much as 20–25%, given that fuel accounts for roughly 30% of airline ticket prices. Fuel squeeze tightens The report noted that jet fuel demand is expected to rise as airlines prepare for peak summer travel, while inventories remain relatively low. Prices have already been driven higher largely by crude oil trends, but supply-side pressures are adding further strain.

Reduced refinery output from key Gulf-region and Asian exporters—together responsible for around 40% of global jet fuel supply—has worsened the imbalance. A key indicator of this pressure is the jet fuel “crack spread", which measures the difference between crude oil prices and refined fuel products. Historically, this spread has stayed around $20 per barrel, but McKinsey said it could average more than $50 per barrel in 2026, signalling significantly higher refining margins and costs. (With inputs from ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.

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