Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that the effect of increase in the prices of ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) will be visible from April 1. Speaking to the media in Visakhapatnam, the minister said that ATF prices are decided on the first of every month. Its effect can be seen from April 1. Amid regional tensions, the ministry assured that safe operations are its priority and it is actively engaging with airlines to seek feedback. This is a “multi-departmental exercise”.
Naidu said that we want safe operations, especially in the Middle East and all other places also. He stressed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will discuss together so that the best outcome can be achieved. Naidu further said that this increase should not affect operations or passengers. This will be the intention of the Ministry, and we will work positively in this direction.
Airline companies are increasing surcharge
Meanwhile, in view of rising jet fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, Air India is increasing fuel surcharge on domestic and international routes in a phasewise manner. At the same time, Akasa Air has announced to impose a new fuel surcharge on its domestic and international flights for bookings made from 00:01 on March 15, due to the huge increase in the cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted global energy supplies, affecting the movement of crude oil and gas through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Petroleum Minister spoke on fuel supply
Earlier on March 12, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told the Lok Sabha that the country was successfully coping with the huge disruption in global energy supplies following the West Asia conflict. Hardeep Singh Puri said that India has adequate gas production and supply system, due to which we can maintain our position even in the event of a long-term conflict. Power generation for every home and industries is completely safe. He assured the House that “there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil. The availability of petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, kerosene and fuel oil is completely assured.” He said the refineries are working at their full capacity, and at times even at “more than 100 per cent capacity”.