New Delhi, April 18 (Inditop) Kingfisher Airlines Saturday raised fuel surcharges by up to Rs.300 following successive rises in jet fuel prices.

“Consequent upon successive increases in ATF (aviation turbine fuel) prices, from midnight today (Saturday), the fuel surcharges of Kingfisher Airlines stands increased by Rs.200 for sectors below 750 km and by Rs.300 for sectors above 750 km,” a company statement said.

The private carrier’s move comes after the state-run oil companies increased ATF prices three times in one-and-a-half months, following the rise in crude oil prices in the international market.

On April 15, the oil companies raised jet fuel prices by about 6.7 percent.

ATF now costs Rs.31,926 per kilolitre in Delhi.

Despite successive rises in ATF prices, the airlines, particularly the low-cost carriers, remained reluctant to raise fares, fearing a fall in passenger load.

“Full-service carriers were not raising fares, so we were hesitant to do so as we have to maintain some price differential,” a low-cost carrier official said.

However, with Kingfisher hiking the fares, other airlines are now expected to follow suit, officials said.