BTS: U.S. Airline Fuel Costs Jump as Consumption Falls


   
Miguel E. Andujar
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   DAVENPORT, FL (DTN) -- U.S. airline fuel spending surged in April as higher 
aviation fuel prices offset lower consumption, according to data released 
Monday (6/8) by the Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation 
Statistics.

   U.S. scheduled service airlines spent $6.47 billion on fuel in April, up 
26.2% from $5.12 billion in March and 78% higher than April 2025.

   Fuel consumption moved in the opposite direction.

   Airlines consumed 1.573 billion gallons in April, down 2.6% from 1.615 
billion gallons in March and slightly below the 1.575 billion gallons consumed 
during the same month last year.

   The increase in total spending was driven primarily by rising fuel prices.

   Average fuel cost rose to $4.11 gallon in April, up 94cts from March and 
181cts above April 2025 levels. The average price paid by airlines increased 
29.6% month over month and 78.2% from the prior year period.

   The April data reflected elevated aviation fuel costs during a period of 
stronger global jet fuel markets following supply disruptions earlier this year 
and increased competition for available export barrels.

   BTS noted fuel cost figures are reported in current dollars and are not 
adjusted for inflation. Fuel expenditure may also be influenced by airline 
hedging programs and fuel supply contracts designed to reduce exposure to price 
swings.

   The agency said monthly figures are not seasonally adjusted and may be 
revised as additional carrier data becomes available.




(c) Copyright 2026 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.