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US airlines’ monthly fuel spending topped $6 billion again in May, up 84% from year ago
Airlines raised fares, bag fees and cut schedules as jet fuel prices climbed, offsetting only part of the higher costs, the Transportation Department said.
United States airlines' fuel costs surged 85% in May to nearly $6.7 billion, the Transportation Department said on Monday, marking the second straight month that expenses topped $6 billion.
The Middle East conflict drove up prices following shipping disruptions in the Strait near Hormuz; three tankers were struck by projectiles, prompting the United States to revoke an Iranian oil sales license.
Airlines paid an average of $4.09 per gallon in May, up $1.88 from May 2025, while carriers used 1.627 billion gallons, a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
Carriers responded to higher fuel expenses by raising fares and bag fees while trimming flight schedules, though these measures only partially offset rising operating costs.
Jet fuel costs have dropped in recent weeks as tensions between Iran and the United States eased, with prices remaining down around 40% from their April highs.