Katerina Swanson
The cost of airline fuel is a significant expense for the airline industry, and prices have been highly variable, especially in recent years due to rising energy prices. As of 2023, fuel costs were estimated to make up 32% of airline companies' spending. The price of jet fuel varies depending on the region, with the FAA Alaska region reporting the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.12 per gallon, and the FAA Central region reporting the lowest price at an average of $5.53 per gallon. The global average jet fuel price was $89.75 per barrel in 2025, according to the Jet Fuel Price Index.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global average jet fuel price | $89.75/bbl |
| National average price for jet fuel | $6.26 per gallon |
| National average price for 100LL aircraft fuel | $6.51 per gallon |
| National average price for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) | $8.75 per gallon |
| Fuel's share of overall airline companies' spending | 32% |
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What You'll Learn
The Jet Fuel Price Index
Platts Jet Fuel Price Index is published by S&P Global Platts, reflecting its daily assessments of jet fuel spot prices in the physical spot market of relevant regional centers. Each of the individual Platts' assessments is given a weighting in the regional baskets, primarily based on the demand for jet fuel in the region. In a similar way, each of the regional indices is given a weighting in the Global Composite Index. These values are compared with the average spot prices in 2000, similarly weighted by demand during that period, to generate a percentage figure reflecting the overall rise in markets compared to the base period. For example, an index value of 200 reflects a doubling of the price since the year 2000.
The price of jet fuel can vary depending on various factors, including the region, market demand, and supply dynamics. According to GlobalAir.com, the national average price for jet fuel in the US is $6.26 per gallon, with prices varying across different regions. The FAA Alaska region reports the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.12, while the FAA Central region has the lowest average price at $5.53.
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Fuel costs as a percentage of airline spending
Fuel costs are a significant expense for airlines, and they can vary wildly based on the price of oil. Fuel costs account for about 22% of operating expenses for airlines, although some sources estimate this figure to be as high as 32%. This makes fuel the second-highest expense for airlines after labor, which accounts for about 31% of operational expenses.
The variable nature of fuel costs means that analysts pay close attention to them in the near term. A sudden increase in fuel prices can cause airlines to lose money, while a decrease in fuel prices can lead to lower ticket prices for consumers. The price of jet fuel is also dependent on the region, with the FAA Alaska region reporting the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.12 per gallon, and the FAA Central region reporting the lowest price at an average of $5.53 per gallon.
The price of jet fuel is monitored by organizations such as the IATA, which provides weekly updates on the jet fuel price and price index through its Jet Fuel Price Monitor. The Jet Fuel Price Index reflects the average prices paid at the refinery for aviation jet fuel for the reported week. The latest data from the Jet Fuel Price Monitor shows that the global average jet fuel price fell by 7.4% to $89.75 per barrel.
To manage fuel costs, many companies have programs to hedge fuel costs. They buy futures contracts to lock in their costs for a set period, turning fuel costs into a fixed expense. This strategy can be beneficial when fuel prices rise, but it can also backfire if fuel prices decline, as the market price of fuel may be lower than the locked-in price.
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Jet fuel price vs. 100LL aircraft fuel price
The price of jet fuel and 100LL aircraft fuel varies depending on the region. The national average price for jet fuel in the US is $6.26 per gallon, while the national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel is slightly higher at $6.51 per gallon.
The price of jet fuel can fluctuate over time and varies by region. For example, the global average jet fuel price fell 7.4% to $89.75/bbl in one week, according to the Jet Fuel Price Monitor.
The price of 100LL aircraft fuel also varies by region within the US. For instance, the FAA Alaska region reports the highest 100LL price at an average of $10.28, while the FAA Central region reports the lowest price at an average of $5.93.
Jet fuel is used in most commercial aircraft, while 100LL (low-lead) aviation gasoline is used in smaller, piston-engine aircraft. The price difference between the two types of fuel is due to various factors, including supply and demand, production costs, and taxes.
In addition to jet fuel and 100LL aircraft fuel, there is also Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which has a higher price point. The national average price for SAF is $8.75 per gallon in the US.
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Jet fuel prices by US region
The price of jet fuel varies across the United States and is averaged over 3,230 FBOs reporting aircraft fuel prices. While some sources provide jet fuel prices for the United States as a whole, regional prices are also available. For example, GlobalAir.com offers national and regional average aviation fuel prices for JetA, 100LL, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at airports and FBOs across the country. However, specific prices for each region are not readily available and may require further research or direct contact with fuel providers or airports in the desired region.
The Jet Fuel Price Monitor by IATA provides weekly updates on jet fuel prices, including the price index and the impact on the fuel bill of the global airline industry. This source does not provide specific regional pricing but offers a global perspective, with the latest update mentioning a 7.4% decrease in the global average jet fuel price, reaching $89.75/bbl.
Additionally, jet fuel prices can vary based on the specific type of fuel and the measurement unit. For example, as of July 4, 2025, the price of JET A1 fuel in the United States was 88.3 bbl/*. Aviation kerosene, which is another type of jet fuel, may have a different price per liter, gallon, barrel, or metric ton.
It is worth noting that jet fuel prices are subject to change and can be influenced by various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and fluctuations in the global energy market. Therefore, while sources provide a snapshot of jet fuel prices at a given time or over a specific period, the prices may not reflect the current or future jet fuel costs in the United States or its regions.
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Jet fuel price over time
The price of jet fuel has fluctuated significantly over time. Fuel accounts for about 40% to 50% of the air transport operating costs of a single flight, depending on the type of plane used. During the 1990s, jet fuel prices were relatively stable. However, the beginning of the 21st century was marked by a surge in prices and increased volatility. Since 2000, the airline industry has faced much higher fuel prices, with prices standing at six times the level of the 1990s during the 2010s.
The volatility in jet fuel prices can be influenced by various factors, including global demand, economic conditions, geopolitical events, and inflationary pressures. For example, jet fuel prices substantially declined at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic due to reduced travel demand but bounced back sharply afterward due to inflation and the Ukraine-Russia war in 2022.
The price of jet fuel is closely monitored by organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Platts, a leading energy information provider. According to IATA's Jet Fuel Price Monitor, the global average jet fuel price can vary from week to week. For instance, there was a 7.4% decrease in the global average jet fuel price from one week to the next in 2025, with prices reaching $89.75 per barrel.
Regional differences in jet fuel prices also exist, with prices varying across different US regions. The national average price for jet fuel in the US is $6.26 per gallon, but prices can range from a low of $5.53 in the FAA Central region to a high of $8.12 in the FAA Alaska region. These prices are averaged over FBOs (fixed-base operators) that report aircraft fuel prices and may not include additional costs or additives.
The impact of jet fuel price fluctuations on the airline industry is significant. The variability in fuel prices, ranging from 20% to 35% of an airline's operating expenses between 2005 and 2016, presents challenges in long-term planning and strategy development for airlines. As a result, there is a growing focus on aircraft design and fuel efficiency to mitigate the impact of unpredictable fuel price changes.
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Frequently asked questions
The national average price for jet fuel is $6.26 per gallon.
The national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel is $6.51 per gallon.
Fuel costs are a significant expense for airlines worldwide, with the share of fuel costs in overall airline spending estimated to reach 32% as of 2023. The global average jet fuel price was $89.75/bbl last week.
