India raises jet fuel prices as global energy disruptions intensify

• Philippines seeks talks with Iran to ensure safe passage of vessels via Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI / KARACHI

India on Wednesday raised jet fuel prices amid global energy disruptions driven by an escalating Middle East conflict.

State-owned oil marketing companies, in consultation with the Civil Aviation Ministry, have passed on only a “partial and staggered” 25% increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices to airlines, the ministry said on US social media company X.

India procures almost 50% of energy supplies, worth $180 billion in 2024, from the Middle East.

“Foreign routes will pay for the full increase in ATF prices consistent with what they pay in other parts of the world,” the ministry said.

For domestic airlines, the increase would only be 8.5%, according to the Press Trust of India.

The government also increased commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices on Wednesday.

“April 1 price increase in commercial cylinder price is due to a 44% surge in the Saudi contract price…as 20-30% of global LPG supplies are stuck in (the) Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry wrote in another post on X.

The strait is a key global oil transit route that Iran has shut down as a result of the war in the Middle East.

Taiwan hikes fuel surcharges

Taiwanese airlines are set to increase domestic fares after the government announced higher fuel surcharges on both short- and long-haul international routes due to rising crude oil prices driven by the Middle East conflict, Taipei-based Central News Agency reported Wednesday.

The new fuel surcharges take effect from April 7.

According to market estimates, fuel prices account for about 40% of airlines' operating costs.

Taiwan procures around 40% of its energy products, worth around $47 billion in 2024, from the Middle East.

Philippines initiates talks with Iran

Separately, the Philippines on Wednesday said it is initiating diplomatic talks with Iran to ensure the safe passage of fuel shipments bound for the Southeast Asian nation passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Philippines is the first country globally to declare a state of emergency to address its energy needs since the war began.

Manila paid some $16 billion in 2024 for energy supplies from the Middle East.

Pakistan’s Punjab province downgrades school days to 4

Pakistan's central-eastern Punjab province Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced Wednesday that public and private schools in the province will downgrade their school days to four, remaining closed on Fridays.

The South Asian country has already taken steps such as partial remote work for public employees, reduced fuel allowances and temporary school closures.