Airlines raise fares as jet fuel prices spike, supplies tighten

Airlines in Pakistan have further hiked their fares due to rising jet fuel prices and operational costs due to the current US-Israel war on Iran.

Several airlines have increased their ticket rates by adding extra security charges due to rising fuel costs. Fuel costs have reportedly doubled.

Fares for routes to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, as well as other stations, have seen significant increases. One-way fares for flights from Karachi to Islamabad and Lahore have gone up to Rs40,000.

A lack of jet fuel and oil reserves has also been cited as a major reason for the increase in ticket prices.

Fares for “chance seats” for flights to Lahore and Islamabad have seen a rise of up to 150 percent. Airlines are now charging more than Rs50,000 for one-way “chance seat” tickets for flights to Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

In addition, international ticket prices have also increased, with economy class flights to the Middle East, Toronto, Paris, and Manchester ranging between Rs300,000 and Rs700,000.

Earlier on Sunday, the government approved a substantial Rs200 per liter increase in the fuel levy on high-octane fuel used by luxury cars, as part of efforts to cope with the fuel crisis fueled by Middle East tensions.

In its press release, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a video-link meeting, decided to increase the existing Rs100 per liter fuel levy on high-octane fuel by Rs200 per liter, taking the total amount to Rs300 per liter.