Jet fuel costs in May top $6 billion | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Airlines spent $6.66 billion on jet fuel in May, the second straight month with fuel costs above $6 billion, according to government figures released Tuesday. The May figure was 84% higher than a year earlier, with the increase driven mostly by higher fuel prices rather than a major jump in how much fuel carriers used. U.S. airlines consumed 1.627 billion gallons in May, down 0.6% from May 2025, and April consumption was also slightly lower year over year. Airlines paid an average of $4.09 per gallon in May, down from $4.11 in April but still 85% above the $2.21 per gallon paid in May 2025. The industry responded globally by raising fares and fees and trimming schedules, reflecting how fuel is among the largest operating costs. The article links the sharp rise to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and notes prices have eased after a U.S.-Iran interim ceasefire, while warning the truce remains fragile after attacks on tankers and a U.S. revocation of an Iranian oil license.