India's aviation ministry signals possible fare cuts as crude oil prices ease

The Indian government noted that recent declines in international crude oil prices could lower the cost of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), which makes up a large portion of airlines’ operating expenses. Civil aviation minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said the ministry is monitoring ATF prices and may ask airlines to review surcharges and ticket premiums if the price trend continues.

The ministry has already set up a roughly ₹10,000 crore price‑stabilisation fund and provided relief on airport fees and emergency credit linked schemes to support carriers. No official decision on fare reductions has been announced yet, but officials indicated that sustained low ATF costs would increase pressure to pass savings on to passengers, potentially making domestic and international flights cheaper in the coming months.