The High Cost Of Aviation Fuel: Price Per Gallon

how much is aviation fuel a gallon

The price of aviation fuel is a significant cost for airlines and can vary depending on various factors. As of July 2025, the national average price for jet fuel in the US was $6.26 per gallon, with prices fluctuating across different regions. The global average jet fuel price can also vary, with a reported week in 2025 showing a price of $89.75 per barrel, a decrease of 7.4% from the previous week. With the dynamic nature of fuel prices, staying informed about current rates is essential for those in the aviation industry and those monitoring industry trends.

Characteristics Values
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
Highest jet fuel price (FAA Alaska region) $8.12
Lowest jet fuel price (FAA Central region) $5.53
Highest 100LL price (FAA Alaska region) $10.28
Lowest 100LL price (FAA Central region) $5.93
Global average jet fuel price $89.75/bbl

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The national average price for jet fuel in the US is $6.26 per gallon

As of July 4, 2025, the national average price for jet fuel in the United States is $6.26 per gallon. This price is an average across 3,230 FBOs (fixed-base operators) that reported aircraft fuel prices over the 30 days prior.

The price of jet fuel can vary by region, with the FAA Alaska region reporting the highest jet fuel price at an average of $8.12 per gallon, while the FAA Central region reports the lowest price at an average of $5.53 per gallon.

It's worth noting that these prices do not include additives, and the cost of aviation fuel can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as oil prices, demand, and economic conditions.

Additionally, there are different types of aviation fuel with varying prices. For example, 100LL aircraft fuel, which is often used in smaller piston-engine planes, has a higher national average price of $6.51 per gallon, while Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) averages $8.75 per gallon.

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Jet fuel prices vary across US regions, with the highest price in the Alaska region

Jet fuel prices can vary significantly across different regions of the US, and several factors contribute to these price disparities. As of 2025, the national average price for jet fuel in the US is $6.26 per gallon. However, prices can fluctuate, and regional variations exist, with the Alaska region reporting the highest jet fuel price.

The Alaska region, as categorised by the FAA, has jet fuel prices averaging $8.12 per gallon. This is significantly higher than the national average and reflects the unique logistical challenges of operating in this region. Transporting fuel over long distances to remote areas of Alaska incurs additional costs, contributing to the elevated fuel prices.

In contrast, the FAA Central region offers the lowest jet fuel prices in the country, with an average of $5.53 per gallon. This price variation within the US underscores the impact of regional dynamics on fuel costs.

Several factors influence the variation in jet fuel prices across US regions. Firstly, the cost of crude oil, which is the base ingredient for jet fuel, can differ by region due to political events, natural occurrences, and supply chain issues. For instance, Latin America has experienced high jet fuel prices due to supply chain issues and protests.

Additionally, "into-wing costs", which encompass transport, storage, and the cost of putting fuel into aircraft, can vary across regions. For example, Africa has higher into-wing fuel costs due to a lack of competition, with government suppliers determining prices, and the logistical challenges of transporting fuel across vast distances. These factors collectively contribute to the variability in jet fuel prices, with the Alaska region currently holding the highest prices within the US.

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Global average jet fuel price fell by 7.4% in early June 2025

The global average jet fuel price fell by 7.4% in early June 2025, reaching $89.75 per barrel. This decrease follows the overall trend of slightly lower fuel prices in 2025, despite increasing demand for air travel.

The drop in prices can be attributed to various factors, including the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel and the recovery of air traffic from pandemic lows. The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is also playing a role in stabilizing global aircraft emissions at 2020 levels. While the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is still a small fraction of the total fuel consumption, its increased availability is projected to impact the market in 2025.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average cost of jet fuel in 2025 is estimated to be around $87 per barrel, or $2.0714 per gallon. This estimate is well below the lows seen in 2024. The OPIS jet fuel spot prices in the first quarter of 2024 averaged just over $2.73 per gallon, and the price continued to decline throughout the year.

While the prices have decreased, it is important to note that jet fuel costs can vary depending on the region and specific markets. For example, in Burnett County, Wisconsin, the current price of Jet-A fuel is listed at $4.29 per gallon. These prices may also fluctuate due to refinery issues or other economic factors.

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Jet fuel is more expensive than 100LL aircraft fuel

The price of aviation fuel varies over time and by region. For example, in the US, the cost per gallon of fuel in December 2024 was $2.32, up from $2.31 in November 2024 and $2.00 in December 2019. In Burnett County, WI, the price of 100LL aviation gas is $4.99 per gallon, while Jet-A fuel is $4.29 per gallon.

Jet fuel is consistently more affordable than 100LL aircraft fuel. This is due to several factors, including the higher volume of jet fuel used, the simpler refining process for jet fuel, and the ease of transporting jet fuel via pipelines.

Jet fuel is used in much higher volumes than 100LL. Commercial aircraft burn through significantly more jet fuel than piston aircraft do with 100LL. This higher production volume leads to cost savings for jet fuel. It is rare for a jet to refuel with less than a few hundred gallons of jet fuel, while it is common for piston aircraft to take on 50 gallons of 100LL. The higher demand for jet fuel means that it is produced and traded in larger volumes, allowing refiners to optimize its production over other types of fuel.

Additionally, jet fuel has a simpler refining process than 100LL. Jet fuel is a kerosene fraction product that only requires a few sweetening processes to remove impurities. On the other hand, 100LL contains tetra-ethyl lead (TEL), which is produced by only a few manufacturers globally. The process of adding lead to the fuel is specialized and requires equipment that is not used for any other purpose. As a result, the production of 100LL is more expensive and less efficient than that of jet fuel.

Furthermore, jet fuel can be easily transported via pipelines since it does not contain lead, unlike 100LL. This ease of transportation contributes to the overall lower cost of jet fuel compared to 100LL.

While the exact prices of aviation fuel can vary, jet fuel is generally more affordable than 100LL aircraft fuel due to differences in demand, production processes, and transportation methods. These factors combine to make jet fuel a more cost-effective option for aviation fuel.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the most expensive type of aviation fuel

The cost of aviation fuel varies, with prices depending on the type of fuel and the location. For example, in Burnett County, Wisconsin, the price of Aviation Gas (100 LL) is $4.99 per gallon, while Jet-A fuel is $4.29 per gallon. In December 2024, U.S. airlines paid $2.32 per gallon, up from $2.31 in November 2024 and $2.00 in December 2019.

The higher cost of SAF is a barrier to its wider uptake, but its benefits are significant. SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to traditional jet fuel. This reduction can be as high as 94% depending on the feedstock and technology pathway. SAF is also compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, making it a viable drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel.

To increase the uptake of SAF, companies like Air bp are working to create more demand, which will lead to increased production and hopefully lower costs in the future. The U.S. government has also set targets to expand domestic consumption of SAF to 3 billion gallons by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050. Additionally, airlines such as Airbus are fostering the growth of the SAF ecosystem by deploying SAF in their operations and forming strategic partnerships and investments.

While SAF is currently the most expensive type of aviation fuel, its importance in reducing the aviation industry's carbon emissions is undeniable. With the industry expected to double to over 8 billion passengers by 2050, the use of SAF will play a crucial role in meeting carbon reduction targets.

Frequently asked questions

The cost per gallon of fuel in December 2024 was $2.32.

There was a slight increase from December 2023, with US airlines using 1.59 billion gallons of fuel in December 2024, a 2.7% increase over five years.

External events such as political or economic instability can affect the price of jet fuel.

The price of aviation fuel varies depending on location and fuel type. For example, Jet A fuel costs $4.90 per gallon in Lake Wales, FL, and $4.29 in Burnett County, WI.

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