Aviation turbine fuel price cut by 4 per cent; non-subsidised LPG by Rs 100

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price was on Tuesday cut by 4 per cent and that of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) by Rs 100 per cylinder, reflecting global trends.

The price of ATF, or jet fuel, in Delhi was lowered by Rs 3,025.34 per kilolitre, or 4 per cent, to Rs 71,800.21 per kl, according to Indian Oil Corp.

The rate cut follows a Rs 753.34 per kl hike in rates last month.

The price was cut as international oil prices fell and the rupee appreciated against US dollar, making imports cheaper.

In Mumbai, jet fuel costs Rs 74,105.16 per kl as against Rs 77,322.6 per kl previously, IOC, India's largest fuel retailer, said.

Rates at different airports vary because of difference in local sales tax or VAT.

Jet fuel constitutes over 40 per cent of an airline's operating costs and the price cut will reduce the fuel cost of the cash-strapped carriers.

No immediate comments were available from the airlines on the impact of the price cut on passenger fares.

Separately, the price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG), which customers buy after using up their quota of 12 subsidised cylinders, was cut by Rs 100 per cylinder, the third straight reduction in rates since February.

The 14.2-kg cooking gas cylinder that consumers buy beyond their entitled 12 bottles at subsidised rates, will now cost Rs 980.50, down from Rs 1,080.50, in Delhi.

The rates were on February 1 cut by Rs 107 - from Rs 1,241 per cylinder to Rs 1,134, and then by Rs 53.5 per cylinder last month.

A subsidised LPG cylinder in Delhi costs Rs 414.

Non-domestic LPG rates were at the beginning of the year hiked by a steep Rs 220 per cylinder but have now been cut in line with softening of international rates.

IOC said losses on LPG have come down to Rs 505.50 per 14.2-kg subsidised cylinder from Rs 605.50 in previous month and Rs 656 in February. The loss was Rs 762.50 in January.

The three fuel retailers - IOC, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) - revise the prices of jet fuel and non-domestic LPG on the first day of every month, based on the average international price in the preceding month.