Jet Fuel's Cost: The Price Of Flying

how much does jet fuel cost per liter

The cost of jet fuel per liter is a complex topic, with prices varying significantly depending on various factors. These include the type of jet, the region, market conditions, supply and demand dynamics, taxes and fees, and exchange rates. Jet fuel is typically priced per gallon or metric tonne, with costs ranging from $4 to $7 per gallon and $430 to $816 per metric tonne, respectively. Private jets with a capacity of 3000 gallons can expect refueling costs of $12,000 to $21,000. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for budgeting and highlights the importance of staying informed about market fluctuations.

Characteristics Values
Average price range $4.50 to $7.00 per gallon
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) price $8.69 per gallon
Jet A fuel price range $7.05 to $13.38 per gallon
Jet A-1 fuel price $0.82 per KG
Jet fuel price as of last week $90.21/bbl

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Private jet fuel costs

Private jets primarily rely on three types of jet fuel: Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B. Each type has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific aircraft and operating conditions. Jet A, the most common type in the United States, has a higher freezing point than Jet A-1, making it suitable for domestic flights. On the other hand, Jet A-1, the international standard, has a lower freezing point, making it ideal for long-haul flights and colder climates. Fuel additives can also impact the overall cost, as they enhance fuel efficiency and safety but contribute to the final price.

The size of the private jet directly affects its fuel consumption and, consequently, the fuel cost. Larger jets tend to consume more fuel than smaller jets, with large private jets offering unparalleled space and comfort but at a higher fuel cost. Light jets, such as the Cessna Citation CJ1+, are the most fuel-efficient, while older jets are generally less fuel-efficient, increasing the overall cost of the flight. The model and age of the aircraft also play a role, as newer aircraft often have more fuel-efficient engines, reducing fuel costs.

The distance and duration of the flight also impact fuel costs. Longer flights and those operating in specific regions, such as colder climates, will require more fuel, leading to higher expenses. Additionally, market fluctuations influenced by crude oil prices, seasonal demand, and geopolitical events can cause variations in jet fuel prices. For example, fuel costs tend to be higher in Europe due to taxes and regulations, while US fuel prices are more competitive, and Asian fuel prices depend on economic stability.

To calculate the fuel cost per hour, one must consider the aircraft's fuel consumption per hour and the current per-gallon cost of jet fuel. For instance, the Eclipse 500, a very light jet, has a maximum fuel capacity of 251 gallons. At an average of $6 per gallon, filling it would cost around $1,506. On the other hand, larger jets like the Gulfstream G550, with a maximum fuel capacity of 6,100 gallons, would cost approximately $36,600 to fill at the same fuel price.

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Jet fuel price fluctuations

The price of jet fuel is subject to fluctuations based on various factors, including regional demand, market assessments, and historical price comparisons. While the cost of jet fuel per liter is not specifically mentioned, sources provide prices per gallon and per barrel, which can be used to understand the broader context of jet fuel pricing.

The Jet Fuel Price Monitor by S&P Global Platts provides weekly updates on the average jet fuel prices paid at refineries worldwide. As of the latest update, the global average jet fuel price was $90.21 per barrel, reflecting a 0.5% increase from the previous week. Platts' assessments consider the demand for jet fuel in different regions and compare these values with average spot prices from the year 2000 to generate a percentage reflecting the overall price rise.

In the United States, the cost of jet fuel can vary by region. The FAA Alaska region reported the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.09 per gallon, while the FAA Central region reported the lowest price at $5.52 per gallon. These prices are averaged over 3,235 FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators) reporting aircraft fuel prices over the past 30 days.

U.S. airlines' fuel costs also exhibit fluctuations. In December 2024, the cost per gallon of fuel was $2.32, representing a 0.7% increase from November 2024 and a 16.0% increase from December 2019. These changes in fuel costs are influenced by variations in fuel consumption, which was 6.8% higher in December 2024 compared to the previous month.

It's worth noting that airline fuel costs can be influenced by hedging contracts, which allow airlines to limit their exposure to future price changes. These contracts can impact the overall fuel cost landscape and how airlines navigate price fluctuations.

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Jet fuel price by region

The price of jet fuel varies across different regions. As of July 11, 2025, the national average price of jet fuel in the United States was $6.26 per gallon. The price varied across different FAA regions, with the FAA Alaska region reporting the highest jet fuel price at $8.09, while the FAA Central region had the lowest price at $5.52.

The Jet Fuel Price Monitor provides weekly updates on jet fuel prices globally. As of June 2025, the global average jet fuel price rose to $90.21/bbl, a 0.5% increase compared to the previous week. This price reflects the average cost of aviation jet fuel paid at refineries and is based on daily assessments of spot prices in relevant regional centers.

The price of jet fuel can also vary within a country or region, depending on various factors such as supply and demand dynamics, taxes, and local market conditions. For example, in the United States, jet fuel prices can vary across different airports and Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs). As of 2025, the average jet fuel price was calculated based on data from over 3,235 FBOs reporting aircraft fuel prices over a 30-day period.

It's important to note that jet fuel prices are subject to frequent changes and can be influenced by various economic and geopolitical factors. Additionally, the prices may be impacted by the specific type of jet fuel being used, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which often has a higher price point.

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Jet fuel price per metric tonne

The price of jet fuel is closely aligned with the price of oil, which varies daily. As of January 2022, the price of Jet A1 was approximately $816 per metric tonne, more than double the price in January 2021, which was approximately $430 per metric tonne. To give an idea of how much prices can fluctuate, in May 2020, Jet A1 was as low as $200 per metric tonne due to the collapse in oil prices brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The price of jet fuel can be hedged, where a constant price is agreed for a set period, reducing financial risk and helping with planning. For example, an airline might agree to buy a fixed amount of fuel at $600 per metric tonne for 12 months. If the fuel price rises, the airline is protected, but if the price drops, they will be paying more than the market rate.

The price of jet fuel also varies by region, with different demand in different areas. For example, the FAA Alaska region has reported the highest jet fuel price in the US at an average of $8.09 per gallon, whereas the Central region reported an average of $5.52 per gallon.

The global average jet fuel price can be monitored weekly. For example, in one week, the price rose by 0.5% to $90.21 per bbl.

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Jet fuel cost per hour

The cost of jet fuel per hour depends on a variety of factors, including the type of jet, its fuel capacity, and the current fuel price. The cost of jet fuel is subject to fluctuations based on market conditions, and prices can vary depending on the region.

As of May 11, 2022, the IATA price per gallon was $4.82 in North America, $4.01 in Europe, and $3.55 in Asia. At Boston's Hanscomb Field, Jet A fuel was priced between $9.79 and $13.38 per gallon, while in Oklahoma City, it was as low as $7.05 per gallon. These prices can be used to calculate the hourly fuel cost by multiplying the fuel consumption per hour by the current per-gallon cost. For instance, the Bombardier Global 7500, an ultra-long-range private jet, burns 528 gallons per hour, while the Embraer Phenom 300 light jet consumes 183 gallons per hour.

The cost of jet fuel for commercial aircraft is also influenced by factors such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, location, taxes, fees, and exchange rates. As of January 2022, the price of Jet A-1 was approximately $816 per metric tonne, which equates to about $0.82 per KG. This price does not include delivery or refuelling fees. A Jumbo Jet (Boeing 747-400) flying from London to New York burns about 70,000 kilograms of fuel, resulting in a fuel cost of approximately £53,500.

Additionally, airlines employ hedging strategies to manage fuel price fluctuations. They agree on a constant price for fuel for a set period, protecting them from price increases but also resulting in higher payments if the fuel price drops. For example, an airline may commit to paying $600 per metric tonne, regardless of market fluctuations. This strategy ensures fuel availability but can lead to financial losses if the airline's operations are interrupted, as they are still obligated to pay for the hedged fuel.

Frequently asked questions

The cost of jet fuel depends on various factors and is subject to frequent fluctuations. As of January 2022, Jet A-1 fuel was priced at approximately $816 per metric tonne, which equates to about $0.82 per kilogram or $0.37 per litre.

Several factors can influence the cost of jet fuel, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, location, taxes and fees, and exchange rates.

The cost of refuelling a private jet depends on the jet's fuel capacity and current fuel prices. Private jet fuel prices typically range from $4.50 to $7.00 per gallon, and a typical private jet with a 3,000-gallon fuel capacity can cost between $12,000 and $21,000 to refuel.

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