Aviation Fuel Prices Surge up to 80%, Airline Ticket Fares at Risk of Skyrocketing
JAKARTA - The conflict in the Middle East is driving a surge in avtur prices starting 1 April 2026. The increase amounts to 70% for domestic routes and 80% for international ones. This situation is prompting airlines to request adjustments to ticket fares.
The Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA) states that the price adjustment follows global trends.
“As we had anticipated earlier, avtur prices will rise in line with global prices due to the impact of the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East,” said INACA Chairman Denon Prawiraatmadja on Wednesday (1/3/2026).
International prices are also soaring. The value has increased by 80.32% from US$0.742 per litre to US$1.338 per litre.
Compared to 2019, the rise is even sharper. Domestic avtur prices were Rp7,970 per litre at that time. This means the increase has reached 295%.
INACA is urging the government to promptly adjust the upper limits on domestic flight tariffs. The association is also pushing for an increase in the additional fuel cost or fuel surcharge.
“Therefore, we urge the government to immediately adjust the increase in additional avtur fuel costs and the upper limits on domestic flight tariffs,” said Denon.
Denon believes that fare adjustments need to be implemented swiftly. Fuel costs contribute around 40% to the total operational costs of airlines.
“Adjustments need to be implemented immediately so that airlines can continue operating while maintaining flight safety (safety insurance), as well as safeguarding the airlines’ finances to ensure business sustainability and provide national air transport connectivity,” explained Denon.
Garuda prepares efficiency measures
PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk is responding to cost pressures with efficiency strategies. The company is focusing on cost control and fuel management.
“These steps include optimising fuel management and operational cost efficiency, as efforts to maintain balance against potential performance pressures due to the avtur price increase,” said Garuda Indonesia’s Deputy Director Thomas Oentoro on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
Management is also maintaining cost structures and liquidity. Mitigation options are evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Thomas emphasised that fuel is the largest cost component. Focus is directed towards strengthening cash flow and operational efficiency.
“This aligns with the characteristics of fuel costs as one of the largest components in the airline operational cost structure,” he said.
Garuda assures that operations will continue as normal. The company is also strengthening internal coordination to maintain business sustainability.
“We view that strengthening the industry ecosystem through closer cooperation and synergy with stakeholders in the national aviation sector is a key factor in maintaining the resilience of the aviation industry amid current global pressures,” he concluded.