Register

What You Need to Know About Aviation Fuel Prices

Several factors, from war to inflation, are making filling your aircraft more expensive.

A tanker truck carrying aircraft fuel. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Aviation fuel prices have significantly surged due to a tightened global crude oil supply (sanctions against Russia) and increased demand from post-pandemic airline travel, freight, and general aviation.
  • This has resulted in jet fuel prices up to 149% higher worldwide year-over-year and an average of $6.35/gallon at U.S. FBOs, prompting general aviation pilots to reduce flying and airlines to raise ticket prices or cut routes.
  • High prices are expected to continue through the summer, with a potential decrease forecast for 2023, though this depends on geopolitical events like the Ukraine war and broader economic trends.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Just about any pilot topping off the tanks of a turboprop or light jet at the FBO lately has experienced sticker shock or at least a degree of buyer’s remorse. Of course, prices for nearly any fuel—and many other products—are way up these days. But it seems like aviation fuel prices have surged at a higher rate than most. 

Here are the answers to a few of the questions pilots have been asking about surging fuel prices.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE