Those traveling by air may get some relief news in the coming days. The central government has indicated that if the prices of crude oil and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) remain stable, airlines may be asked to review additional charges and increased fares. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said on Thursday that the government is constantly monitoring fuel prices and talks are also going on with airlines in this regard.
First stability, then rent relief
The minister said that there has been some decline in ATF prices in recent times, but the government wants to ensure that this decline is not temporary but long-term. According to him, if fuel prices remain stable for a long time, steps will be taken to reduce the existing surcharges and extra fares after discussing with the airlines.
Naidu said that the last four months have been very challenging for the aviation sector. In such a situation, in view of the increasing cost pressure, airlines had imposed additional charges and higher fares on some routes. Now the government is assessing whether the benefit of cost relief can be passed on to the passengers or not.
ATF prices are reviewed every 15 days.
The central government reviews the prices of ATF every fortnight based on the prices of crude oil in the global market. ATF constitutes a major part of the total operating costs of airlines, so changes in its prices have a direct impact on air tickets.
Airlines are being given support
Amid US-Iran tension and global uncertainties, the government has taken several steps to provide relief to the aviation sector. This includes controlling ATF prices for domestic airlines, providing relief in airport charges and providing assistance under the Emergency Credit Linkage Scheme.
The government says that the situation is being continuously monitored and as soon as there are signs of permanent stability in prices, necessary steps will be taken to provide passengers the benefit of affordable air travel.
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