Taipei: Citing fluctuations in global oil prices, three major Taiwanese airlines announced Thursday that they will raise fuel surcharges on both short- and long-haul flights starting next week.

According to Focus Taiwan, the average price of aviation fuel rose to US$92.99 per barrel in July. As a result, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines announced that starting July 7, fuel surcharges will increase from US$15 to US$17.50 for short-haul flights and from US$39 to US$45.50 for long-haul flights.

CAL stated the additional fuel cost per passenger will be US$191.49 for long-haul flights and US$41.29 for short-haul flights. EVA Air reported that the additional fuel cost per passenger will be US$250.48 for long-haul flights and US$41.92 for short-haul flights. Meanwhile, Starlux Airlines indicated that the additional fuel cost per passenger will be US$98.46 for long-haul flights and US$19.46 for short-haul flights.

Currently, fuel surcharge rates for international flights operated by Taiwanese carriers are adjusted based on changes in international aviation fuel prices announced by CPC Corp., Taiwan, and then reported to the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). In 2004, the CAA approved a policy allowing Taiwan-based carriers to add fuel surcharges to airfare, based on a monthly floating crude oil price formula published by CPC Corp., Taiwan. The surcharges are a way for airlines to pass increased costs to the consumer.