IOC hikes ATF prices, airfares may go up

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) hiked prices for Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) for both domestic and internatinal airlines effective from today and the move is expected to make flying more expensive.

For domestic airlines including sales tax, ATF will cost Rs 37,421.94/Kl at Delhi up from Rs 36,149.04/KL in April.

Kolkata was up from Rs 43,020.79/KL from Rs 41,708.38. In Mumbai it is up from Rs 38,690.39/KL from Rs 37,364.45/KL and in Chennai its up from Rs 40,836.61/KL up from Rs 39,482.19/KL.

For international airlines excluding sales tax ATF prices were up in May compared to April 2007 in Delhi was Rs 707.12/KL from Rs 643.59/KL, Kolkata up from Rs 678.02/KL to 743.40/KL , in Mumbai it is been hiked from Rs 638.16/KL to Rs 701.36/KL and Chennai from Rs 629.97/KL to Rs 692.42/KL.

Most domestic airlines plan to pass on the hike in ATF rates to fliers while individual decisions are expected during the week.

While ATF prices for domestic airlines attract sales tax, international carriers do not have to pay the tax.

ATF prices have been increased due to rise in global crude prices.

UNI