Sylvie Willis
The price of aviation fuel varies depending on the type of fuel, region, and date. As of January 2022, the price of Jet A1 fuel was approximately $816 per metric tonne, which equates to about $0.82 per KG. The national average price for jet fuel in the US as of August 4, 2025, was $6.30 per gallon. The price of jet fuel is closely tied to the price of oil, which fluctuates daily. Additionally, the cost of aviation fuel can be affected by hedging practices, where airlines agree on a fixed price for fuel for a set period to reduce financial risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price of Jet A1 in January 2022 | $816 per metric tonne |
| Price of Jet A1 in January 2021 | $430 per metric tonne |
| Price of Jet A1 in May 2020 | $200 per metric tonne |
| Global average jet fuel price | $91.82/bbl |
| National average price for jet fuel | $6.30 per gallon |
| National average price for 100LL aircraft fuel | $6.51 per gallon |
| National average price for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) | $8.74 per gallon |
| Highest jet fuel price (FAA Alaska region) | $8.09 |
| Lowest jet fuel price (FAA Central region) | $5.62 |
| Highest 100LL price (FAA Alaska region) | $10.33 |
| Lowest 100LL price (FAA Central region) | $5.93 |
| Weight of 1,200 gallons of jet fuel | 8,000 lbs |
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What You'll Learn
The price of aviation fuel varies by region
The price of aviation fuel varies significantly by region, influenced by a range of factors, including fuel supply issues, political events, natural occurrences, and market competition. These factors can cause fluctuations in the cost of crude oil, which, in turn, affects the price of aviation fuel.
For instance, as of January 2025, the Middle East boasted the cheapest jet fuel prices globally, with an average of $92.93 per barrel of crude oil, translating to 221.26 cents per gallon. This puts Middle Eastern airlines, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, at a significant advantage in terms of fuel costs.
In contrast, Latin America has experienced the highest market prices for jet fuel, with airlines like LATAM, avianca, and Aeroméxico facing the challenges of high fuel prices and supply chain issues. The situation underscores the critical nature of a stable aviation fuel supply for the continuity of air operations in the region.
Regional variations in fuel prices are also impacted by additional costs, such as transportation, storage, and into-wing costs. Africa, for example, contends with the highest into-wing fuel expenses due to a lack of competition, allowing government suppliers to set higher prices.
Within countries like the United States, regional disparities in aviation fuel prices are also evident. As of August 2025, the FAA Alaska region reported the highest jet fuel prices, averaging $8.09 per gallon, while the FAA Central region had the lowest prices, with jet fuel costing around $5.62 per gallon. These price discrepancies can be attributed to various factors, including local demand, transportation costs, and market competition within the country.
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The price of jet fuel is closely aligned with the price of oil
The price of jet fuel is influenced by several factors, including the cost of oil, market demand, and supply dynamics. As a derivative of crude oil, jet fuel prices are closely aligned with the fluctuations in the oil market. When crude oil prices rise, the cost of refining and transporting jet fuel also increases, leading to higher prices at the pump. This relationship is evident in the jet fuel market, where prices are influenced by regional demand and supply variations.
Jet fuel is a significant expense for airlines, constituting a substantial portion of their operational costs. For instance, a single Boeing 747 aircraft requires nearly 57,500 gallons of jet fuel to refuel, resulting in substantial expenses for airlines operating large fleets. The price of jet fuel is also impacted by refinery issues, downtime, and natural disasters such as hurricanes, which can disrupt production and distribution networks.
Market demand plays a pivotal role in jet fuel pricing. Peaks in demand, such as during holidays and significant travel events, drive up prices as more aircraft require refueling. Conversely, a decrease in travel demand can lead to a steep drop in jet fuel prices. Additionally, jet fuel is traded in bulk, with deals encompassing tens of thousands of barrels, further emphasizing the connection between market demand and pricing.
Regional variations in jet fuel prices are also noteworthy. For instance, the FAA Alaska region reported the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.09 per gallon, while the Central region offered the lowest price at $5.62 per gallon. These disparities may arise from differences in supply, demand, and distribution costs across regions.
The price of jet fuel is closely monitored by organizations like OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) and Platts, which provide real-time data and analysis on jet fuel market trends, inventory levels, and pricing for various regions. Their assessments help airlines and suppliers make informed decisions and negotiate fuel contracts. In conclusion, the price of jet fuel is intricately linked to the price of oil, market dynamics, and regional factors, collectively shaping the aviation industry's operational costs and strategies.
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The cost of aviation fuel is different for commercial vs. non-commercial aircraft
The cost of aviation fuel varies depending on several factors, including the type of fuel, the region, and the intended use of the aircraft. As of August 2025, the national average price for jet fuel in the United States was $6.30 per gallon, with prices fluctuating across different regions. The FAA Alaska region reported the highest jet fuel price at $8.09, while the Central region had the lowest price at $5.62.
Commercial aircraft, including airlines and cargo carriers, typically purchase fuel in large quantities and may benefit from economies of scale. They often have more negotiating power with fuel suppliers and can secure more competitive prices. Additionally, commercial aircraft may have access to a wider range of suppliers and fuel sources, allowing them to optimize their fuel procurement strategies.
Non-commercial aircraft, such as private jets and small aviation businesses, may have different fuel considerations. They may purchase fuel from smaller airports or fixed-base operators (FBOs), where prices can vary significantly. Non-commercial operators might be more limited in their ability to shop around for the best prices and may have to accept the prices offered at their local airport or FBO.
Another factor influencing the cost of aviation fuel for non-commercial aircraft is the type of fuel used. For example, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative to traditional jet fuel that is more environmentally friendly but also typically more expensive. As of August 2025, the national average price for SAF in the United States was $8.74 per gallon, significantly higher than the price of jet fuel.
In summary, the cost of aviation fuel for commercial and non-commercial aircraft can vary due to factors such as purchasing power, fuel availability, and the type of fuel used. Commercial operators may have more opportunities to optimize their fuel costs, while non-commercial users might face higher prices due to smaller-scale purchases and limited supplier options. Additionally, the choice between traditional jet fuel and alternative fuels, such as SAF, can also impact the overall fuel expenses for non-commercial aircraft.
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The price of aviation fuel fluctuates over time
The price of aviation fuel is subject to constant change. As of January 2022, Jet A1 fuel was priced at around $816 per metric tonne, which equates to roughly $0.82 per kilogram or $0.37 per pound. This was about double the price from a year prior, in January 2021, when Jet A1 fuel was approximately $430 per metric tonne, or $0.43 per kilogram. The price of jet fuel had dropped even further in May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to around $200 per metric tonne, or $0.20 per kilogram, due to a collapse in oil prices.
The fluctuation in the price of aviation fuel can be attributed to various factors, including the volatile nature of oil prices, which jet fuel prices closely follow. For instance, in May 2020, jet fuel prices were down 69% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the specific type of fuel and the region of purchase can also influence pricing. As of August 2025, the national average price for jet fuel in the United States was $6.30 per gallon, while the national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel was $6.51 per gallon. The highest jet fuel price within the US was reported in the FAA Alaska region, with an average of $8.09 per gallon.
To manage the volatility in fuel prices, airlines often employ a strategy called "hedging." Hedging allows airlines to agree on a constant price for fuel for a set period, protecting them from price increases. For example, an airline might hedge 5 million metric tonnes of fuel at $600 per metric tonne for 12 months. However, if the fuel price decreases during that period, the airline will end up paying more for the fuel than the market price.
The price of aviation fuel also varies depending on the quantity purchased and the specific needs of the aircraft. A Jumbo Jet (Boeing 747-400) flying from London to New York burns approximately 70,000 kilograms of fuel, which costs around £53,500 or $67,000. When divided by the number of passengers (450), the fuel cost per person works out to be approximately £118 or $158. These prices, however, do not include the cost of fuel delivery or refuelling services.
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The cost of aviation fuel depends on the type of fuel
It is worth noting that the prices of aviation fuel can vary significantly by region. For example, 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 $5.62 per gallon. Similar variations were observed in the prices of 100LL and SAF fuels across different regions.
The type of aviation fuel an aircraft uses depends on various factors, including the type of engine and the performance requirements. Jet fuel, or Jet A, is a kerosene-type fuel commonly used in jet engines. It is designed to have a high energy density and low freezing point, making it suitable for high-altitude flights. 100LL (Low-Lead), on the other hand, is a gasoline-based fuel that contains a small amount of tetraethyl lead to increase its octane rating. It is often used in smaller, piston-engine aircraft.
SAF is a newer type of aviation fuel that is made from sustainable feedstocks such as waste oils, fats, and sugars. It aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry and can be used as a drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel, with some airlines already adopting its use in their fuel blends. The higher cost of SAF compared to traditional jet fuel is due to the additional costs associated with the feedstock collection and processing required to produce it.
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Frequently asked questions
The national average price for jet fuel is $6.30 per gallon.
The price of aviation fuel varies across different regions of the US. For instance, the FAA Alaska region reports the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.09 per gallon, while the FAA Central region reports the lowest price at an average of $5.62 per gallon.
As of June 2025, the global average jet fuel price was $91.82 per bbl.
A Boeing 747-400 Jumbo Jet flying from London to New York burns approximately 70,000 kilograms of fuel, which equates to a cost of approximately £53,500.
