



Iran war: Centre opens talks with states on jet fuel tax cuts amid cost surge
domestic airlines within hours, limiting the hike to about 8.5% in New Delhi. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas said the partial increase was aimed at insulating carriers from a fuel price shock amid disruptions in global energy markets.The move is part of a broader effort to contain costs. The Centre has also capped domestic jet fuel price hikes by oil marketing companies at 25% starting April.
However, prices for international routes remain market-linked and have nearly doubled, straining finances.Airlines, meanwhile, have begun passing on higher costs. IndiGo and Air India have revised fuel surcharges, moving from a flat surcharge imposed in mid-March to a distance-based structure starting April.Carriers are also seeking broader support. In earlier discussions with the ministry, airlines requested a waiver of parking charges at Airports Authority of India-run airports, a reduction in route navigation charges, and greater stability in fuel pricing.“We are working on significant measures to support (aviation) industry.
(The) ministry is coordinating with other stakeholders,” Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, said during a presser on Tuesday.Bawa said, the demand by airlines to rationalise costs like airport charges and parking charges is opportunistic. “Not more than 4-5% of their expenses are incurred because of these charges. But in the present scenario, they are pushing for relaxation on these too,” he said.Operational pressures are also mounting.
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