US Airline Fuel Costs Surge 84% in May Amidst Iran-US Conflict

Key News on the Iran-US War

WASHINGTON (CNA) - U.S. airlines spent $6.66 billion on fuel in May, an 84% increase from the same period last year, marking the second consecutive month that fuel expenditures surpassed the $6 billion mark, according to new data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

In April, fuel expenditures reached $6.47 billion, the Associated Press reported, citing the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

The significant year-over-year increase in fuel costs for the airline industry was not due to higher consumption, but rather to rising fuel prices. U.S. airlines consumed 1.627 billion gallons of fuel in May, a 0.6% decrease from May of the previous year, and April's consumption was also slightly lower than the same period last year.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics stated that airlines paid an average of $4.09 per gallon (approximately 3.785 liters) for fuel in May, slightly lower than April's $4.11, but an 85% increase from $2.21 in May 2025.

To cope with the soaring fuel costs, major airlines worldwide have been raising ticket prices and related fees while reducing flights. Fuel is typically one of the largest operating costs for airlines, making them particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in energy prices.

Latest data indicates that the impact of sharply rising energy prices, triggered by the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transport route for global crude oil and fuel following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict this year, continues to be felt.

Fuel prices have fallen from their spring highs since the U.S. and Iran reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, offering some relief to the airline industry, but the ceasefire agreement remains uncertain.

The British military reported that three oil tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz today. Additionally, the U.S. revoked licenses that had previously allowed Iran to sell oil under the U.S.-Iran agreement. (Intern Editor: Lu Shih-ting / Editor: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150708

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