IndiGo prices to soar due to a new 'fuel charge' amid West Asia tensions

Amid the steep surge in jet fuel prices due to the ongoing war between US, Israel and Iran, IndiGo will start levying fuel charges ranging from Rs 425 to Rs 2,300 on domestic and international flight tickets from March 14. The move will increase the airfares.

For domestic flights and those within the Indian subcontinent, the fuel charge will be Rs 425, while it will be Rs 900 for the West Asia services, the airline said in a statement on Friday.

The fuel charge will be Rs 1,800 for South East Asia and China, Africa and West Asia flights, and Rs 2,300 for Europe flights.

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) accounts for nearly 40 per cent of an airline's operational costs.

While announcing the introduction of the fuel charge, the airline said the measure has been taken due to the significant surge in fuel prices following the ongoing geopolitical issues in the Middle East.

"While offsetting the entire impact of this fuel price surge requires a very substantial adjustment to fares, IndiGo has introduced a relatively smaller amount as a fuel charge, keeping in mind the consequential burden on customers," the airline said.

On March 10, Air India and Air India Express announced fuel surcharges on tickets.