BTS: January U.S. Airline Fuel Costs Drop from Dec.


   
   HOUSTON, TX (DTN)-- U.S. airlines consumed 1.441 billion gallons of aviation 
fuel in January 2026, a 10.8% decline from December 2025, according to data 
released Thursday (3/5) by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

   The sharp month-over-month drop is largely seasonal, reflecting the pullback 
in passenger travel following the busy holiday period, BTS stated.

   Despite a slight uptick in fuel prices -- rising to $2.36 gallon from $2.32 
in December -- total fuel expenditures fell 9.2% to $3.40 billion, down from 
$3.74 billion the previous month.

   Year-over-year comparisons were more favorable for carriers. Compared to 
January 2025, fuel consumption edged down 1%, while the cost per gallon fell 
2.7% from $2.42, translating to a 3.7% reduction in total spending.

   Fuel remains one of the single largest operating costs for U.S. airlines, 
routinely accounting for 20% to 25% of total expenses. Even modest swings in 
price or consumption can have significant bottom-line implications across the 
industry.

   The BTS data covers scheduled service only and reflects fuel paid for by the 
carrier. Figures are reported in current dollars and remain subject to revision.

    

   Editor's note: This content was written with AI, based on Bureau of 
Transportation Statistics (BTS) data.




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