In a significant policy intervention during a period of heightened global energy volatility, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has capped the increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for domestic airlines at 25 percent, even as international benchmarks signal a potential surge exceeding 100 percent from April 1.

The sharp rise in global fuel prices has been triggered by disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz a critical artery for global oil supply. This development has led to an extraordinary spike in energy markets, prompting concerns over a steep pass-through of costs into India’s aviation ecosystem.

ATF pricing in India has been deregulated since 2001, with revisions typically aligned to international benchmarks on a monthly basis. However, in this instance, the government has opted for a calibrated deviation from full market-linked pricing. Public sector oil marketing companies, in consultation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, have implemented a staggered price increase of ₹15 per litre, translating to roughly a 25 percent hike for domestic carriers.

Notably, this cap applies only to domestic aviation operations. Airlines operating on international routes will continue to bear the full increase in ATF prices, in line with global pricing trends. This bifurcation underscores a targeted approach—shielding domestic passenger traffic while allowing international operations to absorb global cost realities.

The policy move comes alongside assurances on fuel availability. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated in the Rajya Sabha that India currently has sufficient ATF reserves to sustain uninterrupted supply for the next 60 days. Under the existing supply structure, nearly half of India’s ATF production is consumed domestically, with the remainder exported, suggesting some flexibility in reallocating supply if needed.

The government has also stepped up airline safety oversight amid the evolving situation. According to the minister, the frequency of audits has been increased, with multiple inspections being conducted to ensure operational safety remains uncompromised despite cost pressures.