US airlines spent $1.8 billion more on fuel in March as prices jumped

WASHINGTON, May 6 (Reuters) - Major U.S. airlines spent just over $5 billion on jet fuel in March, up 56% and $1.8 billion over February costs, the U.S. Transportation Department said.

The cost per gallon of fuel in March was $3.13, up 74 cents, and 31% over February. Fuel use rose 20% in March. Global carriers are contending with surging jet fuel prices since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, in the air travel industry's worst crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic.