Airfares May Rise 25% As Jet Fuel Crack Spread May Cross $50: Report

A McKinsey report suggests that airfares could rise by 25% in 2026 due to constrained jet fuel supplies and increased demand. Geopolitical disruptions and refinery production cuts are expected to push jet fuel crack spreads significantly higher than historical averages.
Why it matters
Rising fuel costs directly impact global travel affordability and airline profitability, signaling potential economic strain for consumers.
Show Quick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed Jet fuel supply is constrained by geopolitical issues and refinery production cuts Jet fuel demand will rise ahead of summer amid low inventories and high prices Jet fuel crack spreads may exceed $50 per barrel in 2026, up from $20 historically Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Switch To Beeps Mode New Delhi: Geopolitical disruption and refinery constraints are impacting jet fuel supply, which raises airline costs and could translate into higher crack spreads, thereby pushing airfares, according to a McKinsey report.
The article relies on industry report data to explain market trends without taking a political stance.
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