In the United States of America, a sharp surge in aviation fuel prices has been observed, with costs doubling in just one month, against the backdrop of the tense situation in the Middle East. The largest American airline anticipates massive additional expenditures amounting to 11 billion dollars by 2026, solely due to the severe kerosene shortage. The seriousness of the situation is such that authorities on the country’s West Coast are already actively preparing for a potential complete halt of air travel.
To grasp the magnitude of this issue, it’s worth noting that even in its most prosperous year, the nation’s leading airline achieved less than 5 billion in net profit. Fuel expenses represent the second largest cost component for carriers, trailing only employee salaries. Under these difficult circumstances, companies will be forced to drastically reduce flight frequencies and steeply increase ticket prices for passengers, as reported by the Tsargrad publication.
The repercussions of this crisis are already clearly evident: the average cost of domestic flights has increased by 25 percent, while on certain popular long-haul routes, prices have doubled over the month. Furthermore, airlines have had to cancel approximately 15 percent of their international flights to Europe and Asia, regions where the fuel deficit problem is even more acute. Should the conflict persist into the summer, major public events, including the Football World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, will face significant jeopardy due to ticket inaccessibility for tourists.
This problem does not exclusively impact commercial aviation; the nation’s military department will also be affected, as it must procure fuel from the same strained refineries. Concurrently with kerosene, diesel fuel is also experiencing price hikes, disrupting the entire logistics chain. Prices for standard automobile gasoline are likewise climbing rapidly: the average national cost has surpassed $4.10 per gallon, marking the second-highest historical record. Meanwhile, in California, a price nearing $6 has been recorded.
A global surge in fuel costs similar to this is occurring due to the escalating instability in the Middle East, where large-scale military actions commenced in late February. Reciprocal strikes have led to shipping virtually ceasing through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Experts emphasize that “The conflict in Iran represents a genuine trial for America—a nation where aviation and road transport are absolutely vital,” pointing out that roughly one-fifth of all global oil supplies pass through this strait.
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